Six Standards for Parent Involvement

Communicating

Communication between home and school is regular, two-way and meaningful.

  • Involve all families, not simply those most easily reached. Pay special attention to parents who work outside of the home, single parents and parents from different cultures.
  • Communicate clearly and frequently with parents about school policies and programs and their children's progress.

Parenting

Parenting skills are promoted and supported.

  • Provide resources, classes and workshops to support and strengthen the skills needed by all parents to effectively fulfill their role.

Student Learning

Parents play an integral part in assisting student learning.

  • Treat parents as partners in the education process by providing them with the necessary resources and instruction to serve as active participants in their children's learning.

Volunteering

Parents are welcome in the school and their support and assistance is sought.

  • Create a school climate that is open, helpful and friendly.

School Decision-Making and Advocacy

Parents are full partners in decisions that affect children and families.

  • Encourage parents, both formally and informally, to comment on school policies and to share decision-making opportunities.
  • The principal and other school administrators should actively express and promote the philosophy of partnership with all families.

Collaborating with the Community

Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families and student learning.

  • Establish partnerships that are mutually beneficial and structured to connect individuals, not just institutions or groups.