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Children do better in school when their parents are actively involved. Parent involvement is more than just receiving information about what is happening in the schools. Parents have many opportunities to take on leadership roles and to have influence in school communities. Here are just a few of the ways that family members can get involved in schools:
Parent Associations and Parent-Teacher Associations
Joining the Parent Association (PA) is the main way to get involved at your children’s schools. The PA is a body comprised of parents of students. Each PA develops its own bylaws, elects officers, and holds regular meetings. Every public school in New York City must have one. If a PA decides to include teachers in the association, members elect to become a parent-teacher association (PTA).
The PA or PTA should be representative of all parents within the school, including parents of special education students and English Language Learners, as well as students who are eligible for Title I, gifted and talented services, and magnet programs.
The PA/PTA helps parents learn about the school, share ideas, and enrich the school. The specific roles of the PA/PTA depend on the school and its members, but among its responsibilities are selecting members for the Community and Citywide Education Councils and organizing fundraisers, workshops, and family events.
The president of every PA/PTA in a Community School District is a member of the District Presidents’ Council. Presidents of high school PA/PTAs are members of borough-wide Presidents’ Councils. The presidents of each Presidents’ Council, or their designees, serve on the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council (CPAC).
School Leadership Teams
Parents, teachers, and administrators work together on School Leadership Teams (SLTs) to make important decisions about their schools. The SLT’s core responsibility is developing the school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) that is aligned with the school-based budget. Principals also turn to SLTs for advice when making important decisions.
Title I Parent Advisory Councils
Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary, middle, and high schools. Schools receiving Title I funds must have a council that provides representation for parents and children on Title I related issues. The advisory councils have advisory roles in planning, developing, carrying out, and evaluating Title I programs.
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