Welcome to another episode of Leading Equity! Today, we're diving into a question that challenges everything you thought you knew about parent involvement in schools: What if the real problem isn’t parents who “won’t show up,” but the way schools reach out to them?

Host Sheldon takes us inside the all-too-familiar cycle—planning family nights, offering food and prizes, and still seeing empty seats. But what if attendance isn’t the right measure at all? In this episode, Sheldon explores how schools often design programs for families, not with them, and uncovers the key difference between “involvement” and authentic “engagement.”

With stories and practical strategies, Sheldon shows us why building real partnerships starts with asking families what they need and valuing their unique insights. You’ll hear how simple shifts—like hosting listening sessions, sharing decision-making, and making regular positive calls home—can transform the relationship between home and school, leading to more trust, better student outcomes, and a stronger sense of community for everyone.

If you’ve ever wondered why your efforts to involve parents fall flat, or you’re searching for proven ways to build real family engagement, this episode will help you move from surface-level participation to genuine collaboration. Get ready to rethink what it means to partner with families—and discover how to create a school where everyone feels like they truly belong.