The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to examine the impacts of implementing student led conferences at the middle school level aimed to increase parent engagement in one small, Catholic school in the southeast United States. The literature review examined middle school family engagement and leadership best practices for implementing change. Data collected from teacher interviews, parent focus groups, researcher notes, researcher observations, and reflection sheets showed several key findings. Using an adapted model of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) and Epstein’s Spheres of Influence (Epstein, 1987) as the theoretical basis, the action research team examined impacts of implementation on students, families, teachers, and on the culture and climate in the school. Major findings include positive impacts on students, families, teachers, and on culture and climate. Action research team members benefitted from a connection to the project and evolved their definition of engagement. Several implications and recommendations for future research are given.
