(1) The primary purpose of the state-level professional development moneys is to address statewide areas of critical need, provided the following two (2) areas shall constitute priority uses for such money:

• (A) Funding operation of state management teams in school districts with academically deficient schools and providing resources specified by the management team as needed in these districts; and

• (B) Funding for grants to school districts for resources identified as necessary by the district for those districts which are failing to achieve assessment Standard.

(2) The statewide areas of critical need for learning and development include:

• (D) Increasing parental involvement.

2. Beginning with fiscal year 1994 and for all fiscal years thereafter, eighteen million dollars shall be distributed by the commissioner of education to address statewide areas of critical need for learning and development, provided that such disbursements are approved by the joint committee on education as provided in subsection 5 of this section, and as determined by rule and regulation of the state board of education with the advice of the advisory council provided by subsection 1 of section 168.015. The moneys described in this subsection may be distributed by the commissioner of education to colleges, universities, private associations, professional education associations, statewide associations organized for the benefit of members of boards of education, public elementary and secondary schools, and other associations and organizations that provide professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, family literacy personnel and boards of education for the purpose of addressing statewide areas of critical need, provided that subdivisions (1), (2) and (3) of this subsection shall constitute priority uses for such moneys. “Statewide areas of critical need for learning and development” shall include:

   • (5) Increasing parental involvement in the education of their children.

1. The state board shall, in consultation with the boards of education of school districts, educational personnel, local associations, and organizations of parents whose children are enrolled in public schools throughout this state and individual parents and legal guardians whose children are enrolled in public schools throughout this state, adopt a policy by December 1, 2005, which encourages effective involvement by parents and families in support of their children and the education of their children. The policy adopted by the state board must be considered when the board:

   • (1) Consults with the boards of education of school districts in the adoption of policies pursuant to subsection 3 of this section; and

   • (2) Interacts with school districts, public schools, educational personnel, parents and legal guardians of pupils, and members of the general public in carrying out its duties pursuant to this title.

2. The policy adopted by the state board pursuant to subsection 1 of this section must include the following elements and goals:

   • (1) Promotion of regular, two-way, meaningful communication between home and school;

   • (2) Promotion and support of responsible parenting;

   • (3) Recognition of the fact that parents and families play an integral role in assisting their children to learn;

   • (4) Promotion of a safe and open atmosphere for parents and families to visit the school that their children attend and active solicitation of parental and familial support and assistance for school programs;

   • (5) Inclusion of parents as full partners in decisions affecting their children and families; and

   • (6) Availability of community resources to strengthen and promote school programs, family practices, and the achievement of pupils.

The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the second week of September as “Parent and Family Involvement in Education Week”, and recommending to the people of the state that the week be appropriately observed through activities that will bring about an increased awareness of the importance and benefits of parent and family involvement in education and encourage greater involvement of parents and families in their children’s education, both in the school and in the home. The parent and family involvement in education week recognizes that parent and family involvement in a child’s education is a major factor in determining success in school, regardless of the socio-economic status, race, or ethnic background of the family, or the education level of the parents.

This model local wellness policy from the Missouri School Board Association addresses family involvement and provides a list of strategies that districts can implement to achieve family involvement in nutrition education and physical education and activity to promote student health.