Making the Case: Why SFECs Should integrate Family Math into their Programming

Authors: Susan Shaffer, President, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc.

In the education landscape, family engagement is a crucial partnership that holds immense potential for shaping a child’s academic journey and success. Research consistently shows that when families are actively engaged in their children’s learning, students achieve higher grades, have better attendance, and develop more positive attitudes towards school. Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) play a vital role in fostering these connections between families, schools, and communities. Integrating math into SFEC programs can significantly enhance their impact and empower families to support their children’s mathematical development effectively.

The Department of Education’s Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFEC) program provides funding to organizations or consortia to offer technical support and training to state and local educational agencies. There are currently 20 states with SFECs. The goal is to improve family engagement policies and programs, leading to better student outcomes. The SFECs educate families and support schools and agencies in building effective partnerships with families.

Why integrating math into SFECs is imperative:

1. Mathematics is Everywhere: By integrating math into SFEC programs, families gain a deeper appreciation for the universal application of mathematics in their daily lives. Through hands-on activities and resources, they can discover how math is intertwined with everyday tasks and decision-making processes.
2. Empowering Families as Partners: Many families may feel intimidated by math, especially if they struggled with it in school. By providing accessible and engaging math education opportunities, SFECs can encourage families to overcome their fears and become confident teachers and advocates for their children’s mathematical learning.
3. Building Mathematical Mindsets: Research on growth mindsets suggests that individuals who believe in their ability to learn and improve are more likely to succeed. By fostering a positive attitude towards math and promoting perseverance in problem-solving, SFECs can help families cultivate a growth mindset in their children, setting the stage for long-term success in mathematics and beyond.
4. Cultivating Early Math Education: Early math education lays the foundation for future academic success and lifelong learning. It is during the formative years that children develop cognitive abilities, numeracy skills, and a positive attitude towards mathematics. A strong early math education can bolster students’ confidence, interest, and competence in the subject, which can significantly improve their trajectory in later years. 
5. Addressing Achievement and Opportunity Gaps: Disparities in math achievement persist among students from different socioeconomic, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. By equipping families with resources and strategies to support their children’s math learning at home, and providing teachers with training on culturally responsive instruction and curriculum, SFECs can help bridge these gaps and promote equity in education.
6. Preparing for the Future: In an increasingly technology-driven world, mathematical skills are in high demand across a wide range of jobs and industries. By fostering mathematical proficiency through family engagement, SFECs contribute to preparing the next generation for success in colleges and careers.

Moreover, collaboration between SFECs, schools, and community organizations is essential to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to family engagement in mathematics. By working together, families, educators, early childhood providers, and community members can leverage their respective strengths and resources to maximize the impact of math integration efforts.

Mathematics is a critical component of education and daily life, and integrating math into SFEC programs is essential for empowering families to support their children’s mathematical learning effectively. Failure to provide a strong foundation in mathematics in the early years makes it increasingly unlikely that students will catch up as they move up the grade levels. By fostering mathematical literacy, building confidence, and promoting a positive attitude toward math, SFECs play a vital role in equipping families with the tools they need to help their children succeed academically and thrive in the 21st century.

MAEC currently operates two SFECs. Our Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFÉ) combines Maryland and Pennsylvania. Our Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine (CEFAM) covers Maine. MAEC has committed to including Family Math as a part of its SFEC efforts because it is an essential indicator of student success. We want to dispel the myth that math is only for some people so that all children have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to excel. 

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