2014 - PARENT/FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
2014.1 The Durham Public Schools Board of Education recognizes that parents/guardians, families, caregivers, schools, and the community share the responsibility for the education of our children. Creating positive home, school, and community partnerships is essential to carrying out this shared responsibility successfully. To promote high student performance, school administrators, teachers and parents/guardians must work as knowledgeable partners.
2014.2 The DPS Board of Education believes that schools must create an environment that is conducive to learning and supports strong family partnerships. Collaboration between all school personnel and parents/guardians is essential to support student learning. School personnel will encourage and involve parents/guardians of children at all ages and grade levels by providing a variety of opportunities for involvement, while recognizing and respecting the diverse needs of families in their community. The DPS district and local schools, in collaboration with parents/guardians, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent/guardian involvement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.
2014.3 In order to enhance parental involvement, schools will promote the following essential elements:
- Communication – Facilitate regular, two-way, and meaningful communication between home and school. Communication should be in a format that parents/guardians understand.
- Parenting – Promote and support active parenting.
- Student Learning – Inform and involve parents/guardians and caregivers in children’s learning activities so that they may play an integral role in assisting student learning.
- Volunteers – Ensure that parents/guardians are welcome in the school and seek their support and assistance in a variety of ways.
- Advocacy and Decision-Making – Include parents/guardians as partners in the decisions that affect children and families.
- Community Collaboration – Collaborate with community agencies and other organizations to provide resources to strengthen school programs, families, and student learning.
- Student Health - Provide information to families to help them incorporate healthy habits into their children’s lives.
2014.4 The Superintendent is charged with the responsibility of developing regulations and procedures for the establishment of robust parent involvement programs and opportunities in the district. The Superintendent will evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.
Adopted: December 18, 2008
