Parental involvement is an integral part
of all Title I programs, including the Migrant Education Program. Research
shows that parents play a significant role in the academic achievement
of their children. Therefore, it is important for parents and schools
to develop partnerships and build ongoing dialogues to improve student
achievement. Title I supports parental involvement by enlisting individual
parents to help their children do well in school. In order to receive
MEP funds, local operating agencies must implement programs, activities,
and procedures that effectively involve migrant parents. An LEA must:
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develop its comprehensive State plan in consultation with
parents;
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consult with parent advisory councils (PACs) regarding programs
that are one school year in duration; and
-
plan and operate the MEP in a manner that provides for the
same parental involvement as is required in section 1118.
Why is parental consultation in planning the MEP important at
the local level?
As the first teachers of their children, parents know the needs of their
children best and can provide insight into their children’s strengths
and weaknesses. As such, migrant parents can play a pivotal role in planning
the educational programs and projects in which their children participate.
Involving migrant parents in planning the MEP also builds their capacity
to assist in their children’s learning at home. In addition, parental
involvement in the planning of the program enables parents to understand
the program and have informed conversations with MEP and school staff
regarding their children’s education. Through their participation
in the planning process, migrant parents are also more likely to become
advocates and supporters of the program because they have a personal stake
in its success.
What is the function of a Parent Advisory Council?
A PAC advises the local operating agency on concerns of migrant parents
that relate to the planning, operation, and evaluation of MEP programs
and projects in which their children participate. In particular, the SEA
and local operating agency must consult with the PAC about:
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the comprehensive assessment of the needs of migratory children
to be served; and
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the design of the comprehensive service delivery plan.
Having a PAC does NOT meet all the requirements of Section 1118.
However, an active PAC may be an appropriate focal point of an agency's
parental involvement efforts. For example, PACs may be used to:
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ensure full parental participation in MEP project planning,
design, and implementation;
-
convene an annual meeting of parents, at which school officials
explain the MEP projects; and
-
provide opportunities for regular parent meetings to gather
input.
What does Section 1118 require regarding parental involvement?
Section 1304(c)(3)(a) requires an SEA and local operating agency to
conduct parental involvement activities “in a manner that provides
for the same parental involvement as is required for programs and projects
under section 1118, unless extraordinary circumstances make such provision
impractical.” The statute also requires parental involvement activities
to be conducted in a format and language understandable to parents.
The parental involvement requirement in 1304(c)(3)(a) is stricter
than in past years. Before, an SEA and local operating agency only
had to carry out the MEP “in a manner consistent with”
section 1118 “to the extent feasible.” The current language
of the statute creates a higher standard for complying with parental
involvement requirements. Now, absent extraordinary circumstances,
an SEA and local operating agency must follow the requirements of
section 1118 to be in compliance with section 1304(c)(3)(a).
In general, Section 1118 requires:
-
A written parental involvement policy;
-
Policy involvement of parents in an organized, ongoing, and
timely way in the implementation of the MEP;
-
Development of a school-parent compact in order to share the
responsibility for high student academic achievement;
-
Capacity building of parents and school staff for strong parental
involvement; and
-
Effective access to parental involvement activities.
Section 1304(c)(3)(a) requires a local operating agency to conduct
parental involvement activities “in a manner that provides
for the same parental involvement as is required for programs and
projects under section 1118, unless extraordinary circumstances
make such provision impractical.” The statute also requires
parental involvement activities to be conducted in a format and
language understandable to parents. The parental involvement requirement
in 1304(c)(3)(a) is stricter than in past years. Before, a local
operating agency only had to carry out the MEP “in a manner
consistent with” section 1118 “to the extent feasible.”
The current language of the statute creates a higher standard for
complying with parental involvement requirements. Now, absent extraordinary
circumstances, a local operating agency must follow the requirements
In general, Section 1118 requires:
-
A written parental involvement policy;
-
Policy involvement of parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely
way in the implementation of the MEP;
-
Development of a school-parent compact in order to share the responsibility
for high student academic achievement;
-
Capacity building of parents and school staff for strong parental
involvement; and
-
Effective access to parental involvement activities.
