Action Opportunities for Parent Leaders

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 Work with the SEA to develop parental involvement policies that include linking schools and education to community endeavors and advocacy, even though NCLB does not require it.
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 Contact state and local education officials to get copies of the Title I plan. Ascertain who is on the planning team, and learn about the various ways parents and representatives of parents’ organizations have been included in the planning of Title I. This should be done for all the programs included in NCLB.
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 Determine how SEA and LEA plans will be distributed to the public and inform other parents how to obtain copies of the plan.
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 Provide input to the SEA as it compiles models of effective parental involvement practices; inquire about the criteria and research used to determine model practices.
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 Identify ways the SEA will help LEAs and schools build capacity to effectively integrate community and parental involvement into their programs.
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 Parent leaders should make sure that a representative group of parents participate in the development of the parent involvement policy and parent involvement compact.
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 Once a policy and compact have been developed, make sure they are carried out appropriately and reviewed on a regular basis.
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 Parent leaders should make sure that the school district appoints a school support team that includes parents and community members for schools identified as needing improvement, restructuring and/or corrective action.
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 Make sure that all supplemental services offered are approved by the state and progress monitored by the school or school district.
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 Ask to be part of the team of community representatives and parents evaluating state performance regarding school/community links and parental involvement; this information should be part of the annual SEA review sent to the US secretary of education.
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 Ask for representation on committees advising the SEA on carrying out Title 1 responsibilities.
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 Ensure that your school district, when it implements programs and activities around parent involvement, are actually done so with meaningful consultation of parents of participating children.
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 Ask your district to establish a district-wide parent advisory council.