The Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council
This council advises the Commissioner and Board of Education on matters pertaining to the development of parent and community involvement in education. Its function is to be proactive and innovative on policy issues that relate to the enhancement of educational achievement of students in Massachusetts. Specifically, the Council will: assess statewide trends and needs; seek public and professional input; analyze information regarding parent and community education and involvement; advise and make recommendations regarding legislation, regulations, and program guidelines; and provide other programmatic recommendations as it deems necessary to fulfill the goals for parent and community involvement established by the Board of Education.
FY2007 Council Statement
The council believes that student achievement increases, schools improve, and parent and community involvement thrives with the following:
Student Learning:
Parents, families, and community members play an integral role in assisting student learning at all grade levels. Communication:
Communication between home and school is consistent, two-way, and meaningful. Responsibility:
Sound parenting practices are promoted and supported. Volunteering:
Parents, families and community members are welcome in the school and their support and assistance are sought. School Decision-Making and Advocacy
Parents and community members contribute in school planning and decision making. Community Collaboration
Community resources are sought to strengthen schools, communities, and families. Educator/Staff Development
Personnel training (pre-service and in-service) includes courses and workshops on parent, family, and community involvement.
The Parent, Family, and Community Involvement Guide  provides more details regarding standards and elements of successful programs. This document was created by the Council and distributed in 2001 to all superintendents and a large number of parent and community related organizations in the state.
Meeting Schedule: Fall 2007 - Spring 2008
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|
| Tuesday, December 11, 2007 | (3:45-5:45 pm) | Hudson Public Library |
| Tuesday, January 30, 2008 | (4:15-6:15 pm) | Saxe Room- Worcester Public Library |
| Monday, March 10, 2008 | (4-6 pm) | Cancelled |
| Thursday, April 17, 2008 | (5-7 pm) | 350 Main St. Malden, MA Room 4B |
| Tuesday, May 27, 2008 | (5-7 pm) | Cancelled |
| Thursday October 18, 2007 | (5-7 pm) | Hudson Public Library |
For details, to confirm dates or locations, or to RSVP: Call 781-338-6246 or email ewedegartner@doe.mass.edu.
Related Resources:
 Examples of MA District Efforts to Increase Family Involvement
Other Family & Community Education and Involvement Resources
Contact Information:
Eileen Wedegartner, Liaison
and Rachelle Engler Bennett, Director of Student Services
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Student Support Unit
350 Main Street, Malden MA 02148
781-338-6246 / 781-338-3205
ewedegartner@doe.mass.edu / renglerbennett@doe.mass.edu
FY08 Council Members:
Ms. Michelle Brooks
Principal Consultant
Transformative Solutions
Mr. Mike Butler
Parent
Dedham: South East
Dr. Grace Healy
Adjunct Professor
Gordon Conwell College and Lesley University: Greater Boston
Ms. Kim Hunt
President Elect
Massachusetts PTA
Ms. Karen Mapp
Lecturer on Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Ms. Paula Merchant
Executive Director/Parent
Mass. Assoc. of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages
Ms. Evelyn Nellum
Director of Technical Assistance & Liaison for School-based Initiatives
Massachusetts Parent Information & Resource Center (PIRC)
Ms. Cathy Santosus
Parent/Committee Member
Northampton Public Schools Civil Rights Committee: West
Ms. Pamela Westmoreland
Director of Administration
The Learning Partnership
last updated: May 27, 2008
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