Parent Engagement in Education: KA-1

The Superintendent believes that the education of each student is a responsibility shared by the school as well as parents and that engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement. The Superintendent recognizes the need for a constructive partnership between the district and parents that provides for two-way communication and fosters educational support for students and parents. In this policy, the word "parent" also includes guardians and other members of a student's family involved in the student's education.

In keeping with these beliefs, it is the intention of the district to cultivate and support active parental engagement and to set and realize goals for parent-supported student learning.

To that end all district schools shall:

1. Consult with and encourage parents to share in school and district planning and in the setting of objectives through participating in school and district accountability committees.

2. Help parents understand the educational process and their role in supporting student achievement through regular, meaningful communication.

3. Inform parents of school choices and learning opportunities within the district, including but not limited to, information on open enrollment, choice programs and charter school options.

4. Provide opportunities for parents to be informed about their student's progress toward attaining proficiency on state and district academic standards through written materials and public meetings. Information shall explain how the student's progress will be measured and how parents will be informed of such progress. This information shall also be provided to the school and district accountability committees.

5. Provide appropriate avenues for parents to find support in their role.

6. Encourage formal organizations for parents at each school building as well as at the district level. The organizations shall receive information concerning district and school activities and shall have opportunities for input into district and school decisions as appropriate.

7. Encourage and welcome parent volunteers in the schools.

The Superintendent supports professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their understanding of effective parent engagement strategies.

The Superintendent also recognizes the special importance of parental involvement to the success of its Title I, Migrant Education Program (MEP), and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) programs and directs the superintendent to ensure that the district and schools jointly develop with parents written parent involvement policies that meet the requirements of federal law.

 

Adopted:  September 16, 2014

 

LEGAL REFS:  

 

C.R.S. 8-13.3-101 et seq. (leave for parental involvement in academic activities)

C.R.S. 22-7-301 et seq. (measures to increase parental involvement in public education)

C.R.S. 22-7-407 (5) (informing parents about standards-based education)

C.R.S. 22-11-302 (1)(g) (duties of the district accountability committee include increasing parent engagement)

C.R.S. 22-11-402 (1)(h) (duties of the school accountability committees include increasing parent engagement)

C.R.S. 22-30.5-109 (publicity regarding educational options)

C.R.S. 22-32-142 (1)(Superintendent must adopt parent engagement policy and identify a district employee to act as "point of contact")

 

CROSS REFS:  

 

AE, Accountability/Commitment to Accomplishments

KA, School Community Relations

KBA, District Title I Parent Involvement Policy

KD, Public Information and Communications