Resolution on Parent/Family Involvement

Adopted November 14, 2005, by the Missouri State Board of Education

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education believes that schools must create an environment that is conducive to learning and that strong, comprehensive parent/family involvement is an important component; and

WHEREAS, parent/family involvement in education requires a cooperative effort with roles for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, school districts, parents/families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education seeks to foster and support active parent/family involvement so that schools and parents/families work together as knowledge partners in educating children; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the State Board of Education hereby adopts this policy on parent and family involvement and encourages local school officials to use it as a guide in developing local school district policies.

Parent/Family Involvement Policy

Parents/families of all economic, racial/ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds can, and do, have positive effects on their children’s learning.  The State Board of Education recognizes the importance of assisting school districts in eliminating barriers that impede parent/family involvement, thereby facilitating an environment that encourages collaboration with parents/families and community.

1. Promote regular, two-way, meaningful communication between home and school. Examples: personal visits beyond parent/teacher conferences, electronic/telephone contact, use of translators.
2. Promote and support responsible parenting. Examples: parenting workshops, parent resource centers, parent support groups.
3. Recognize the fact that parents/families play an integral role in assisting their children to learn. Examples: parent curriculum night, family literacy programs, post-secondary planning activities.
4. Promote a safe and open atmosphere for parents/families to visit the school that their children attend and actively solicit parent/family support and assistance for school programs.  Examples: training of volunteers and staff, family activities at school, identifying parent volunteer opportunities in and out of school.
5. Include parents as full partners in decisions affecting their children and families.  Examples: shared parent/teacher expertise on individual students, student academic planning, advisory councils (e.g., technology, nutrition/wellness), parent leadership development.
6. Use available community resources to strengthen and promote school programs, family practices, and the achievement of students.  Examples: utilize the knowledge and skills of senior citizens, retired teachers, and veterans; encourage education-friendly practices in local businesses; parent information centers; identify links to current, quality resources.

The State Board of Education is committed to professional development opportunities for school district staff and leadership to enhance understanding of effective parent/family involvement strategies.  The State Board of Education also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parent/family participation.

The State Board of Education expects school districts to include parents/families in the annual evaluation of the content and impact of this policy.  The evaluation will be used to improve and/or create practices to enhance parent/family involvement.

The State Board of Education directs local boards of education to adopt policies no later than March 1, 2006, which encourage effective involvement of parents/families in support and education of their children.  The policies must be consistent to the extent applicable with this policy and include the six elements and goals specified above.

Source:  Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
November 2005