Richland One’s district’s policy on parent involvement has been developed jointly with, agreed upon with, and distributed to, parents of participating children. Richland One has high regard and much respect for the parents of its students and therefore:

A. shall involve parents by inviting schools to identify/select parents to attend Parent Advisory Council meetings where they will serve on committees to assist in developing and reviewing the schoolwide plans, School Improvement Plans, as well as the district plan. Parents will also complete an annual survey, which will provide program format, preferred service delivery techniques, methods of communication with parents, suggested workshops and seminars needed by parents to support their efforts in educating their children. Parents will visit and observe classrooms in selected Title I schools once a year to monitor the instructional program and determine how improvements can be made to effectively bring about change. Parents will continuously be informed about the school’s progress through school report cards and notices to parents.

B. The school district shall provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance to schools through joint meetings of other local, state and regional social agencies such as workshops and training to be provided periodically to help parents learn how to help their children succeed in school. Parents suggest topics and plan activities for the workshops.

C. Schools and parents will develop compacts that will be used to build strong and meaningful parental relationships. The agreement will establish how all will share the responsibility for each student’s achievement. Parent surveys are sent to all Parent Advisory Council members for input on programs, training, materials and functions.

D. Initiatives are underway to involve parents in the Parent Advisory Council, Head Start in the Richland One area. Smart Matters at the identified Title I schools, Foot Steps, First Steps, Success by Six, Parents as Teachers, the Home Instruction Program for pre-school youngsters, and state-run preschool programs by keeping parents abreast of offerings, encouraging attendance at these meetings and trainings and then follow-up to see if additional help is needed.

E. An annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools including identifying the barriers to greater participation by parents in activities will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the parental involvement policy by comparing attendance records of previous years. Parent surveys will be conducted, questionnaires distributed and phone calls made to gather information. Particular attention will be paid to parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background. Also, efforts will be made to determine why parents do not participate including barriers to greater participation such as lack of transportation, absence of child care, work schedules, unsuitable meeting times or locations, or lack of interest. The findings of the annual parental involvement evaluation surveys will be used to dictate what changes should be made and by whom to make the parental involvement programs more effective and if needed, to revise the parental involvement policies.

F. Parents were actively involved in the development of the Parent Involvement Policy by serving on planning committees, completing written surveys, and conducting phone surveys. The policy will be disseminated to parents through bulk mailings, PTO or PTA meetings, Title I parent meetings, and will be available at all Title I schools and on the Title I website. Parents are encouraged to be involved in all the activities of the schools including parent training, activities, workshops and conferences.

Title I Compact (Sample)

GIBBES MIDDLE SCHOOL TITLE I COMPACT
"Knowledge is Power"

It is the mission of Gibbes Middle School to provide a safe and secure school environment where all of our students will have the opportunity to become confident, self-directed and lifelong learners. We, the students, parents, and school community, pledge to unite in our mission to allow the opportunity for academic success and personal growth.

As a parent/guardian I pledge to:

• provide an academic environment at home that fosters learning;
  
• provide a quiet time at home designated for reading and studying;
• support the efforts of the school by attending school functions and volunteering to engage in other school activities;
• promote effective communication with my child's teacher
• talk with my child everyday about his school activities; and
• always BELIEVE that my child will be successful with my guidance and support.
  
  
  
  As a teacher I pledge to:
  
  
• provide an academic environment that is conductive for learning;
• respect and value the unique characteristics and qualities of all students;
• always assist and support students in their effort to learn;
• promote effective and continuous communication with parents;
• promote parent involvement in school functions;
• demonstrate a professional demeanor that allows me to be a positive role model for our students;
• perform professional duties as required and on a voluntary basis as deemed necessary; and
• maintain high expectations for our students and provide an accurate assessment of students' academic progress.

  
  As a student I pledge to:
  
  
• BELIEVE that I can learn and be the best person that I can be;
• show respect for myself, my peers, and my school staff;
• obey all school rules and always show good behavior;
• attempt to do my best in all of my classes;
• bring the necessary school supplies to school and complete all assignments.
  
  
  As members of the administrative team, we pledge to uphold the contents of the this compact to ensure that each student is provided the opportunity for academic success.