Family Portal

Please find a sampling of links on this portal page to information and resources on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) website about topics that may be of interest to families, and to those supporting family engagement in education.

Family Engagement:

The goal of Family engagement in education is to build genuine relationships over time between students, families, educators, and the community. Positive relationships and shared responsibility supports family well-being, and children's healthy development from the earliest ages into young adulthood.

Effective family engagement is culturally responsive, collaborative, equitable, and respectful of diverse languages, norms, and values.
Effective family engagement tries to eliminate barriers to participation and take place in schools, in the community, and wherever students live and learn.

School Finder

Learning & Testing Resources

Find out more about learning and testing, curriculum and guidelines in Massachusetts.

Special Education

Find out more about the Special Education process, and the support and services that help children with disabilities succeed in school.

Laws & Guidance

Find out more about Massachusetts laws and guidance, and how families can get help resolving concerns.

Adult Education

Find out more about adult education in Massachusetts.

College & Career Readiness

Find out more about adult how students can graduate from high school ready for college and careers.

Early Learning

Find out more about early education and care options, as well as additional supports for families with young children in Massachusetts.

English Learners

Find information about English Learner education in Massachusetts.

Charter & Virtual Schools / Education Collaboratives

Find out more about charter and virtual schools in Massachusetts, along with Education Collaboratives.

Health & Safety

Find examples of resources that support health and safety in Massachusetts schools.

Questions:

Questions from families related to COVID-19 and schools can be emailed to COVID19K12ParentInfo@mass.gov . Other questions related to family engagement or the Department (DESE) can be directed to the Office of Student and Family Support via achievement@mass.gov or 781-338-3010. Families can also contact the Problem Resolution System (PRS) Office with questions and concerns about schools meeting legal requirements via compliance@doe.mass.edu or 781-338-3700.