Standard 5 Stakeholder Communication / Family and Community Engagement

The stakeholder communication / family and community engagement system of a public school district ensures stakeholders are engaged in meaningful communication to provide an effective learning experience for each student.

Standard 5-A Comprehensive Plan for Communication and Engagement

5-A.1 Each public school district shall have a written plan for parent, family, and community engagement, including the scheduling of at least two (2) parent-teacher conferences each year, in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Department. By October 1, the plan shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)

5.07 To take advantage of community resources, each public school shall: 5.07.1 Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement; 5.07.2 Enable the formation of a Parent Teacher Association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school; 5.07.2.1 Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and 5.07.3 Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

The policy adopted by the local school district board of directors to implement site-based decision making shall also address the following:

• (1) Parent, citizen, and community participation, including the relationship of the school council with other groups;
• (2) Cooperation and collaboration within the school district, with other school districts, and with other public and private agencies;
• (3) Professional development plans developed pursuant to the state accreditation Standard;
• (4) School-level improvement plans, including the form and function of strategic planning and its relationship to school district planning;
• (5) School budget and administration, including:
  • (A) Discretionary funds;
  • (B) Activity and other school funds;
  • (C) Funds for maintenance, supplies, and equipment; and
  • (D) Accounting and auditing;
• (6) Assessment of individual student progress, including testing and reporting of student progress to students, parents, the school district, the community, and the state;
• (7) Requirements for waiver of school district policies;
• (8) Requirements for record keeping by the school council;
• (9) A process for appealing a decision made by a school council; and
• (10) Teacher evaluations, professional growth plans, and teacher support under the Teacher Excellence and Support System, § 6-17-2801 et seq.

(8)

• (A) Recognize that community resources strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.
• (B) To take advantage of community resources, the school shall:
  • (i) Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement;
  • (ii)
    • (a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school.
    • (b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and
  • (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.