Document addresses system-level supports to aid district efforts to engage parents/families in the education process.

Memo defines terminology and shared principles for family engagement to establish and model consistency and alignment.

(1)  School districts are encouraged to develop and implement parental involvement contracts with parents of pupils. These parental involvement contracts should be voluntary and should be designed to encourage and facilitate a parent’s involvement in his or her child’s education.

(2)  Not later than 90 days after the effective date of this section, the department shall develop and make available to school districts a model parental involvement contract that may be used for the purposes of subsection (1). The model parental involvement contract shall establish a learning partnership between parent, teacher, and pupil, and shall address at least all of the following:

• (a)  That the pupil’s parent or guardian will do all of the following:

• (i)  Review homework assignments and offer assistance when needed.

• (ii)  Ensure that the pupil gets to school each day, on time and ready to learn.

• (iii)  Demonstrate interest in the pupil’s well-being by attending school functions and supporting the pupil’s school activities.

• (iv)  Make every effort to attend parent-teacher conferences.

• (b)  That the pupil will do all of the following:

• (i)  Participate in class discussions and complete assignments in a manner that is accurate, neat, and timely.

• (ii)  Come to school each school day and be on time.

• (iii)  Pay attention in class and complete assigned lessons.

• (iv)  Obey the rules and codes of conduct set for the classroom.

• (v)  Respect teachers, school administrators, and other pupils at all times by not antagonizing, intimidating, or threatening them.

• (c)  That the teacher will do all of the following:

• (i)  Set high Standard for quality instruction that promote development of grade-appropriate academic skills.

• (ii)  Keep accurate attendance records and inform the parent or guardian promptly if an attendance problem starts to develop.

• (iii)  Teach pupils how to study and review basic concepts taught in class.

• (iv)  Maintain a welcome atmosphere and scheduling flexibility toward parent or guardian visits and participation.

• (d)  That the contract should include a way for the pupil’s parent or guardian to explain any obstacles that prevent him or her from complying with the contract.

(3)  If a parental involvement contract includes an explanation described in subsection (2)(d), school officials shall consider accessing possible resources to help overcome the obstacles identified by the parent or guardian.

Document provides information and tools to support district efforts to engage parents/families in the education process.

Document provides information and tools to support district efforts to engage parents/families in the education process.