Meeting/Adoption Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003

Resolution:
 
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the State Board of Education to “Realize Every Alabama Child’s Hopes” through the belief that higher standards mean a brighter future, and that the State Board of Education and the State Department of Education are working hard to develop policies and implement plans to ensure that all Alabama school students are provided with adequate opportunities to learn; and
 
WHEREAS, findings from over thirty years of research cite:
 
When parents are involved in their students’ education, those students have higher grades and test scores, better attendance, and complete homework more consistently regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or the parents’ education level.
 
Different types of parent/family involvement produce different gains. To have long-lasting gains for students, parent involvement activities must be well-planned, inclusive, and comprehensive.
 
WHEREAS, the intent of this policy is to establish a course of action that will support the development, implementation, and continuing evaluation of a parent involvement policy and program in every school, which will involve parents at all grade levels in a diversity of roles; and
 
WHEREAS, in order to provide the greatest benefit for the student, the parent, the school, and the community, parent involvement programs should be comprehensive and coordinated to include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:
  1. Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful. 2. Responsible parenting is promoted and supported. 3. Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning. 4. Schools are open and inviting to parents and families and actively seek parental support and assistance for school programs. 5. Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect students and families. 6. Collaboration with the community provides opportunities to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.
 
WHEREAS, the State Board of Education supports professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement methods and also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in establishing expectations and creating a climate conducive to parent participation; and
 
WHEREAS, in addition to programs at the local school, the State Board of Education supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of programs to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the local school districts based on, but not limited to, the components of successful parent involvement programs listed above; and
 
WHEREAS, the State Board of Education recognizes that engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement:
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the State Board of Education recognizes that engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State Board of Education fosters and supports active parent involvement at the state, district, and local school level with the statewide adoption of this Parent Involvement Resolution; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State Superintendent of Education will develop additional policy proposals to present to the State Board of Education regarding specific plans to increase parent involvement in the education of Alabama’s public school students.