WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Education strongly support parent and family involvement in the education of Alabama students and parent involvement is critical to student and school success; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education is committed to parent and family involvement in our schools as it strives to provide all public school children with an opportunity for a quality education with high academic standards that offer every student an opportunity to graduate and to obtain the necessary skills to be prepared for the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, more than thirty years of research identify parental involvement as a key component in ensuring a child’s academic achievement, and a successful partnership between educators and parents is one of the most crucial factors influencing the success of students in school; and

WHEREAS, Statewide Parent Visitation Month provides parents the opportunity to learn how they can become more actively involved in their children’s education, visiting their child’s school, learning about the curriculum, consulting with their children’s teachers, and participating in school activities; and

WHEREAS, Statewide Parent Visitation Month is an excellent opportunity for Alabama’s public schools to emphasize and increase parent involvement, to partner with communities to raise awareness and increase support for public education, and to educate parents and others about the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education proclaims October 2011 as Statewide Parent Visitation Month in Alabama; declares this year’s theme as The 4th R: The Relationship Between Family and School which encourages educators, communities, parents, and families to participate in this observance; and challenges educators to solicit sustained, year-round parent and family involvement.

Done this 13th day of October 2011.