Empowered Together

Evidence-Based Strategies for Partnering with Families in PK–12 Education

Noel Kelty (Author) , Anne Tapp Jaksa (Author)

Textbook

Empowered Together

Evidence-Based Strategies for Partnering with Families in PK–12 Education

Noel Kelty (Author) , Anne Tapp Jaksa (Author)

Textbook

Paperback ~~$52.99~~ $47.69 Hardback ~~$200.00~~ $180.00 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) $47.68 Ebook (PDF) $47.68

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Pre-order. Available 20 Aug 2026

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Description

This book redefines what it means to engage families in education. Drawing on decades of research and practice, this book offers a fresh, equity-centered framework that moves beyond traditional parent involvement toward authentic, reciprocal relationships between families and schools.

Each chapter explores a key dimension of partnership-from understanding family diversity and co-creating learning plans to using data and technology for equitable collaboration. Grounded in cultural humility, empathy, and shared advocacy, Empowered Together provides practical strategies, reflection tools, and real-world case studies that help educators and leaders build trust, dismantle barriers, and transform systems.

Written by two experienced educators and researchers, this book equips readers to create school communities where every family feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their child's learning journey.

List of Tables and Textboxes
Preface
Foreword
Chapter 1: Why Family Partnerships Matter
Chapter 2: Family Structures and Schooling in the 21st Century
Chapter 3: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Family-Educator Partnerships
Chapter 4: Building Relationships that Matter
Chapter 5: Communication That Connects: Tools and Techniques for Meaningful Dialogue
Chapter 6: Co-Creating Learning Plans: Partnering with Families for Student Success
Chapter 7: Partnering in Early Childhood
Chapter 8: Partnering with Families in Elementary Grades
Chapter 9: Middle and High School Family Partnerships
Chapter 10: Creating Family-Friendly Schools
Chapter 11: Data-Driven Family Partnerships
Chapter 12: The Future of Family Partnerships
References
About the Authors

Product details

Published	20 Aug 2026
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Pages	288
ISBN	9798216442615
Imprint	Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations	22 figures
Dimensions	254 x 178 mm
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Noel Kelty

Noel Kelty, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Educa…

Author

Anne Tapp Jaksa

Anne Tapp Jaksa, Ph.D. Professor of undergraduate…

Empowered Together is a powerful call to action for educators, leaders, and families alike. Kelty and Tapp Jaksa offer a vision of partnership rooted in equity, trust, and belonging-one that redefines how we prepare educators and engage families in every child's success. This book is both practical and profoundly human.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO, National Center for Learning Disabilities
Grounded in research and rich with lived wisdom, Empowered Together reframes family engagement as an essential dimension of educational equity. Kelty and Tapp Jaksa provide a timely and transformative roadmap for educators committed to inclusion, collaboration, and social justice. It is a must-read for every educator who believes relationships are the foundation of learning.

Lynn Gangone, former President & CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Empowered Together provides practical resources to help teachers, leaders, and coaches meaningfully partner with families to support the academic and social-emotional needs of learners. Kelty and Tapp Jaksa leverage their expertise and implementation experience to communicate common challenges and share examples that are easily contextualized for schools. I look forward to integrating the book's information and resources into our state's MTSS support!

Kim St. Martin, Director, Michigan's MTSS Technical Assistance Center
Kelty and Tapp Jaksa bring both scholarly depth and practical wisdom to the field of family engagement. Empowered Together challenges educators to move beyond compliance to connection-offering a vision of partnership that is inclusive, data-informed, and transformative.

Katie Sloan, Assistant Professor in Child Development and Child Studies at Oakland University