#United States #San Francisco #ClassDojo #Family Engagement #District Leaders

Communication Gap in Family Engagement Efforts Among School Districts

In a revealing new survey conducted by Project Tomorrow in collaboration with ClassDojo for Districts, significant disparities have been identified between the priorities of school districts and the resources available to facilitate effective family engagement. While an overwhelming 85% of district leaders emphasize that family engagement is a paramount concern for the academic year 2025-26, approximately 40% express that they are still lacking the necessary tools to actualize this priority.

The survey, dubbed the ClassDojo for Districts Pulse Poll, gathered insights from nearly 260 district leaders nationwide. The findings underscore a predominant reliance on one-way communication methods; however, district leaders indicate that the most efficient strategy for fostering family engagement is by establishing real-time, two-way communications at the classroom level.

Chad A. Stevens, Ph.D., Head of K–12 Engagement at ClassDojo, provided vital insights, stating, "Most districts can send announcements. However, true engagement stems from two-way, personal communication—this is what fosters relationships, builds trust, and enhances attendance. This stark gap is precisely what ClassDoJo for Districts is designed to bridge."

Importance of Two-Way Communication
ClassDojo for Districts empowers educational institutions to engage families in a dynamic manner rather than merely disseminating information. Notably, a striking 80% of messages sent via the platform are read within the same day, highlighting the effectiveness of immediate engagement. Dr. Stevens further asserts, "Robust school-to-home connections are not just beneficial—they are essential. District leaders recognize this necessity, but they require the right tools to foster these vital connections."

The platform's comprehensive suite of features is engineered to keep families informed and involved:

• - Two-way Messaging: Users benefit from read receipts and real-time translations in over 130 languages.
• - Districtwide Announcements: These allow for the instantaneous dissemination of updates across the community.
• - Class and School Stories: Teachers and leaders can share photos, videos, and important updates seamlessly.
• - Data Privacy Compliance: The platform adheres to FERPA regulations and is compliant with COPPA, ensuring secure access controls for family communication.

One of the standout features of ClassDojo for Districts is its cost-effectiveness—being entirely free facilitates widespread adoption among districts navigating budget constraints. Furthermore, its compliance with privacy standards instills confidence among district leaders regarding the protection of their communities.

Key Findings from the Pulse Poll
Additional findings from the Pulse Poll illustrate a pressing need for enhancing family engagement strategies:

• - 70% of school and district leaders assert that family engagement is vital for building trust within educational environments.
• - 65% identify two-way communication technologies as the most effective tools for keeping families informed.
• - 36% of respondents regard engaging families in student success as a crucial challenge they face.

Dr. Julie A. Evans, Ed.D., CEO of Project Tomorrow, commented on the evolving landscape of school-family communication: "In light of the modern educational climate, where student achievements increasingly hinge upon attendance and meaningful family connections, our collaboration with ClassDojo for Districts offers vital insights into how innovative platforms can reinforce these priorities and ultimately enhance student outcomes."

For more detailed information regarding the ClassDojo for Districts platform, visit ClassDojo's website.

About ClassDojo for Districts
ClassDojo is dedicated to ensuring every child experiences an education they cherish. With a global reach exceeding 45 million families and educators, ClassDojo enhances the connectivity of school communities. The introduction of ClassDojo for Districts serves to unify the entire educational system—all without any costs to schools or teachers. This unique approach includes features such as rostering, Single Sign-On (SSO) integration, and Student Information System (SIS) integration, all tailored to simplify communication and celebrate students' achievements.

About Project Tomorrow
Project Tomorrow champions a future where students are equipped to become tomorrow's innovators and leaders. The organization emphasizes authentic learning experiences and operates numerous programs designed to facilitate data-driven decision-making and improved educational experiences. Their efforts are pivotal in ensuring student success and promoting meaningful community engagement in the educational process.