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January 2014 Teaching Cases on Family Involvement Harvard Family Research Project Download a PDF of this publication (202 kb)

Teaching cases are a valuable tool in preparing teachers and school administrators to engage effectively with families. Because the case method presents a story in practice, it offers students an active learning opportunity. Teaching cases involve real world situations and consider the perspectives of various stakeholders, including teachers, school leaders, parents, students, and other community members. Through case-based discussion, students enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and consider multiple perspectives.

HFRP’s research-based case studies reflect critical dilemmas in family–school–community relations, especially among low-income and culturally diverse families. As such, the case method is a useful strategy for helping educators learn to communicate and build relationships with families whose backgrounds may differ from their own. 

This handout provides a detailed list of HFRP's teaching cases in family involvement, sorted by topic, gender, and age-group, as well as ethnicity, of the students discussed.