Which practice describes working with families to set goals for students and identify ways to partner to achieve them?

• A. Teachers set goals without family input.
• B. Teachers work with families to create goals for students and establish ways to partner to reach these goals.
• C. Goals are set by standardized tests only.
• D. The partnership with families is optional.

Answer: (B)

Collaborative goal-setting with families and planning how to partner to achieve those goals is at the heart of effective family–school partnerships. When teachers actively involve families in creating goals for the student and think through how to work together—sharing information, coordinating supports at home and at school, and checking in regularly—the student benefits from consistent encouragement and resources across settings. Goals become meaningful and attainable because they reflect the student’s strengths, needs, and home context, not just what a test or a single adult prescribes. This approach also builds trust and accountability between families and educators, which supports sustained progress.

Setting goals without family input misses valuable insights from the home environment. Relying only on standardized tests to set goals overlooks the student’s daily life and learning supports. Treating the family partnership as optional undermines collaboration and can reduce the support the student receives.