Policy 1120 – Parent/Guardian and Family Engagement

The district recognizes that parent/guardian and family engagement is key to academic achievement and is a shared responsibility between the school and family. In accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, the district will reach out to parents/guardians to ensure their participation in educational opportunities, interactive family programs, shared decision-making and community collaboration in district and school education programs.

In order to further develop and strengthen parent/guardian and family engagement, the following essential components shall occur and/or be implemented at schools throughout the district:

  • Regular two-way, meaningful communication between parents/guardians and school staff, and, to the extent practicable, in language family members can understand.
  • Programs, activities and procedures that involve parents/guardians and family members.
  • Promotion of and support for responsible parenting/guardianship.
  • Schools that are open and inviting, and resources that are accessible to parents/guardians and families. Parent advisory board or other organized group comprised of a sufficient representation of parents/guardians and family members.
  • Use of parent/guardian and family contributions, skills and knowledge wherever possible.
  • Support for parents/guardians and families in understanding complex topics, such as district and state assessments.
  • Literacy and/or technology training/assistance for parents/guardians and families.
  • Opportunities for parents/guardians and families to volunteer and participate in classroom activities.

The Office of Communications and the work of the Community School Relations Coordinator shall support efforts outlined in this policy. This may include coordination, technical assistance and other support needed by schools to implement effective parent/guardian and family engagement activities aimed at improving student academic achievement and school performance. This may include consultation with employers, business leaders, philanthropic organizations and individuals with expertise in effectively engaging parents/guardians and families in education.

The district will coordinate parent/guardian and family engagement strategies with other relevant federal, state, and local laws and programs, such as Head Start, to the extent feasible.

The district shall reserve at least one percent of its Title I allocation to assist Title I schools to carry out parent/guardian and family engagement activities. Parents/guardians and family members of students receiving Title I funding shall be involved in the decisions regarding how these reserved funds are allotted for engagement. No less than 90 percent of the funds reserved shall be distributed to schools and shall be used to carry out activities and strategies consistent with this policy and at least one of the following:

  1. Professional development relating to parent/guardian and family engagement strategies
  2. Home-based programs
  3. Disseminating information
  4. Collaborating with community-based organizations
  5. Engaging in activities and strategies that the local educational agency determines are appropriate

Each year, the district and each of its Title I schools will conduct, with parents/guardians and families, an evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent/guardian and family engagement policy, including identifying:

  1. Barriers to greater participating by parents in Title I activities
  2. The needs of parents/guardians and family members to assist with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers
  3. Strategies to support successful school and family interactions

Findings from the annual survey shall be used to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parent involvement, and to revise parent/guardian and family engagement policies.

LEGAL REF.:  Wisconsin Statutes

  • Sections 118.019  [human growth and development]
  • 118.15  (1)(d)  [program or curriculum modifications]
  • 118.153  [children at risk programming]
  • Chapter 115 Subchapter V [programs for students with disabilities]
  • Chapter 115 Subchapter VII  [bilingual-bicultural education]
  • Wisconsin Administrative Code
  • PI 13  [bilingual-bicultural/ELL programs]
  • PI 25  [children at risk programs]
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  [programs for students with disabilities]
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 [Title I parent engagement, parent and student privacy rights, reporting student achievement, etc.]

CROSS REF.:

  • 1110 Parent/guardian/caregiver Surveys
  • 1210 Communicating With Parents/Guardians (Including Crisis)
  • 1212 Non-English Language Version Printed Materials
  • 1600 Visitors
  • 1812 Relations with Parent-Teacher Organizations
  • 2720 Shared Decision Marking
  • 5910 Children of Divorced or Separated Parents
  • 6100 Mission, Beliefs and Objectives
  • 6330 Privacy Rights in ÁùºÏ²Ê½á¹û½ñÆÚ Programs
  • 6413.1 Family Life Education (Instruction on Human Sexuality)
  • 6421 Services for Students with Disabilities
  • 6426 Student Program or Curriculum Modifications
  • 6427 Individual and Remedial Services
  • 6452 Student Progress Reporting
  • 6460 Testing/Assessment
  • 6470 Student Records
  • 6810 Teaching About Controversial Issues

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS:

  • 6413.1 Guidelines for Communications with Family Life Curriculum Objectives

AFFIRMED:

  • December 14, 2004
  • December 19, 2006
  • September 25, 2018