District Policy
2800 - Parent and Family Engagement Policy
Parental Support Washington County School District - Adopted 4-14-94; Revised 12-11-18
1. Purpose:
The Board of Education of the Washington County School District believes parental engagement is an important part of each child's educational program, and that such engagement may result in higher student achievement and better social behavior, in addition to more satisfaction for parents and teachers alike.
2. Policy:
The administration of each school within the District shall develop the necessary programs to ensure parental engagement in their children's education.
3. Procedure:
3.1. Expect that parents shall provide a home environment that values education and send their children to school prepared to learn.
3.2. Provide parents with the opportunity to be actively involved in their children's education.
3.3. Build consistent and effective communication between parents, teachers, and administrators.
3.4. Provide information, instruction, and training to parents that will assist them in helping their children maintain academic success and support their academic efforts.
3.5. Parental engagement as implemented pursuant to this policy is intended to be advisory to the administrators of the respective schools who are accountable and responsible for school programs. To encourage this involvement, open and honest communication without fear of retaliation toward any of the parties involved (students, parents, teachers, or administrators) is essential to the success of the education process. It is intended that members of committees formed to carry out the intent of this policy shall serve under the direction of the principals of the respective schools.
3.6. The Board recognizes and acknowledges the existence of many programs in the schools of this District which provide for significant parental engagement. This policy is not intended to replace or effect a change in those existing programs except as may be determined from time to time by the respective schools.
3.7. Title I - Parent and Family Engagement Plan
Title I Elementary schools will:
3.7.1. Invite parents and family members to participate in the joint development of the District Title I plan that is updated annually;
3.7.2. Invite parents to participate in the process of creating school support and improvement plans in Title I schools;
3.7.3. Encourage parents to provide support and assistance in building the capacity of Title I schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;
3.7.4. Coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title I with relevant federal, state, and local laws and programs;
3.7.5. Invite parents and family members to conduct an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy which identifies:
- barriers to engagement of parents, especially parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, of limited English or literacy proficiency, or of any racial or ethnic minority;
- the needs that parents and families have that may prevent them from helping with their children's learning and from engaging with school staff; and
- strategies to support successful family-school interactions.