Parent, Family and Community Partnerships

Parent Involvement & Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

Parental involvement is an integral part of all Title I programs, including the MEP.  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, SEAs and the local operating agencies must implement programs, activities, and procedures that effectively involve migrant parents.  In particular, the SEA and local operating agency must consult with the PAC about:  (1) the comprehensive assessment of the needs of migratory children to be served; and (2) the design of the comprehensive service delivery plan.  

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.

Parent Involvement Resources

State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE)

SACPIE was established in 2009 and is the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education. The Colorado General Assembly found that it was in:"...the best interests of the state to create a state advisory council for parent involvement in education that will review best practices and recommend to policy makers and educators strategies to increase parent involvement in public education, thereby helping improve the quality of public education and raise the level of students’ academic achievement throughout the state" (C.R.S. § 22-7-301(2), 2012). CDE, in collaboration with the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE). Visit the SACPIE page for additional information.

Standards and Instructional Support

In partnership with the Colorado PTA, family and community guides to the Colorado Academic Standards have been created to help families and communities across Colorado better understand the goals and outcomes of the Colorado Academic Standards. The guides describe the “big picture” purpose of the standards, as road maps to help ensure that all Colorado students graduate ready for life, college, and careers. They also provide overviews of the learning expectations for each of the ten content areas of the standards and offer examples of educational experiences that students may engage in, and that families could support, during the school year. Visit the Standards and Instructional Support page for more information.

Early Learning and School Readiness

CDE recognizes the importance of a child’s early years and parents as the most significant influence in a child’s life. CDE further recognizes that there are children and their families who are more vulnerable than others because of risk factors within their lives and the limitations of available supports and resources. The Preschool Through Third-Grade (P-3) Office partners with educators and leaders to create seamless high-quality early learning environments for children birth through age eight. They strive for coherence and alignment throughout the P-12 system. Visit the P-3 Office page for additional information.

Adult Education Initiatives

Adult Education Initiatives supports adult education programs around the state with funding, program oversight, and technical assistance. Adult education programs offer services that include teaching reading, math, and English foundations, preparing learners with college and career readiness skills that lead to employment or the transition to post-secondary education, and helping parents obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the education of their children. For more information visit the Adult Education Initiatives Office page.