Procedure No. 4129P

 

Family Involvement

Definitions:

The term “family” is used to denote parents, extended family, guardians, or other persons with whom the student lives. “Parent” or “family” may also include community members or other concerned adults involved in the student’s life, pursuant to state and federal laws surrounding confidentiality.

“Family Involvement” refers to school/family partnerships. It is the collaborative interaction between educators and families in activities that promote student learning and positive child and youth development at home, in school, and in the community, including but not limited to regular, two- way and meaningful communication between parents and school personnel; outreach to families; parent education; volunteering; school decision making; and advocacy.

Implementation:

The superintendent will identify a district administrator to supervise the implementation of this policy and procedure. Each school in the district will encourage and promote family involvement. Efforts will be tailored to the realities of school families, be culturally relevant to the school population and delineate strategies to greater family participation in education (particularly families who are economically disadvantaged, have disabilities, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background).

The district’s family involvement efforts will have six overarching goals. They will include, but not be limited to, the following research-based National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement in schools:

1. Communicating: Effective two-way communication between all parents and schools regarding district policies and procedures, local school operating procedures, and an individual child’s progress.
2. Parenting: Information and programs for parents on how to establish a home environment to support learning and appropriate behavior.
3. Student Learning: Information and programs for parents about how they can assist their own children to learn and meet the student’s short-term and long-term educational goals.
4. Volunteering: Activities to encourage a variety of parental volunteer opportunities in schools both in the classroom and in other areas of the school including attendance at local school programs and events.
5. School Decision-Making and Advocacy: Assistance to develop parental involvement in educational advocacy, including school district task forces and site based advisory committees.
6. Collaborating with Community: Identification and utilization of community resources to strengthen school and family partnerships and student learning.

Family Involvement

Evaluation

The content and effectiveness of this policy and procedure, and the individual school plans will be evaluated by the Superintendent or his/her appointee annually with regard to the quality and effectiveness of the strategies presented in the plan. The findings of the evaluation will be used to design strategies for more effective family involvement, and if necessary to revise this policy and procedure.

 

 

Management resources: Policy News, October 2011

 

Adopted:  February 13, 2012