Parent Involvement Policy

Title I Parent Involvement Policy

 

The Board of Education recognizes the rights of parent/guardians to be fully informed of all information relevant to their children who participate in programs and projects funded by Title I, LaFayette School District shall ensure parental involvement in these programs and projects by:

 

I. Build A Capacity For Parent Involvement

LaFayette School District will ensure that all parents are involved in our school in a meaningful manner in order to improve student academic achievement. Specifically, we will do the following in order to build a capacity for parent involvement:

• Provide assistance (materials and education) to parents of children served by LaFayette School District, in understanding such topics as the State’s academic content standards and State student academic achievement standards, State and local academic assessments, the requirements of this part, and how to monitor a child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children;

• Educate all LaFayette School District staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contribution of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school;

• Coordinate and integrate to the extent feasible and appropriate, parent involvement programs and activities with the Association of Parents and Students (each building has their own parent group with different names)and the universal preschool program that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children;

• Ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to the parents of participating children in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.

 

II. Involve Parents In The Joint Development Of The Title I Plan

• Parents will be invited to participate in one annual Title I meeting to be held in late Spring. The topics of discussion will include the following: a clear explanation of the purpose of each title funding program; the amount of funds received for each program and how they are allocated; the level of parent involvement in school-wide activities.  After the discussion, parents and all stakeholders will be given an opportunity to review, plan, and help improve our Title I programs for the school year. The meeting will end with a question and answer session. All concerns and suggestions conveyed by parents will be recorded and addressed in a timely fashion. The literature that will be distributed during this meeting will include: a summary of parental involvement activities; Title funding allocations; and a description of current Title I programs and services. Lastly, all stakeholders will be able to provide input in the development of the Title I Plan for school-year.

 

III. Provide The Coordination, Technical Assistance, And Support Necessary To Assist Participating Schools In Planning, Implementing Effective Parent Involvement Activities To Improve Student Academic Achievement And School Performance.

The following initiatives have been implemented at LaFayette School District:

• During dismissal time each day, parents have the opportunity to make arrangements to speak to their child’s teacher.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences are also scheduled two times during the school year to give parents the opportunity to discuss and to get information pertaining to their child’s academic progress at the elementary level.

• Report cards are sent home four times, every ten weeks per academic calendar year.

• The principals at  elementary and the guidance staff at the middle and high schools will help parents better understand the state assessments.

 

Other activities that promote parent involvement:

• Elementary Parent Nights – are events for families and community members to acquire additional skills in helping their children learn.

• Open House– students’ work is displayed throughout our schools, at the Board of Education offices

• Family Literacy Nights – Parents are encouraged to bring their child to school and read with them and/or listen to an author speak

• LaFayette Jr/Sr High School Career Day – parents and community members speak to LaFayette School District students regarding various careers.

IV. Conduct, With The Involvement of Parents, An Annual Evaluation Of The Content And Effectiveness Of The Parental Involvement Policy In Improving The Academic Quality Of LaFayette City School District, Including Identifying Barriers To Greater Participation By Parents In Activities Authorized By Title I.

• The findings of such and evaluation will be published and made available for review by parents, and will be used to design strategies for more effective parent involvement. LaFayette School District will distribute a copy of the Parental Involvement Policy to all parents as required by law. The policy will also be made available to parents and the local community through the school’s website.