Last Updated:
Including
Article: The Funds of Knowledge Approach
Learn how to tap into families assets to improve student learning across your system.
The Funds of Knowledge approach challenges deficit-based assumptions by recognizing that families, especially those from underrepresented communities, bring rich, valuable knowledge and skills shaped by their daily lives and cultural practices. By understanding and incorporating these unique family strengths into policies, curriculum, instruction, and communication, districts can build stronger partnerships, reduce stereotypes, and improve student outcomes. This approach encourages leaders to rethink traditional views of culture and family engagement, focusing on dynamic, lived experiences rather than static labels, and to foster educational practices that authentically reflect the strengths of the communities they serve.
Use and share this framework with senior leaders as they are making decisions to ensure that students from all backgrounds are being centered.