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Tennessee Classrooms Open to Learning and Parents

Tennessee Department of EducationNashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Education is encouraging all parents and guardians take an active role in their child’s education. November 18th, 2010 marks the 17th annual National Parental Involvement Day. In recognition, Tennessee is promoting new Parental Involvement Standards and more frequent participation from parents both at home and in the classroom.

“Parent involvement is a critical part of achieving a high quality education system and helps ensure student achievement,” said Governor Bredesen. “It is important that parents and educators form strong partnerships that will result in higher achievement of students.”

In July 2010, Tennessee implemented Parental Involvement Standards in an effort to welcome and include parents in the education process. The following standards aim to promote participation, raise awareness, and improve student achievement through increased parent involvement.

  • Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community- Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class and school.
  • Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, meaningful communication about student learning.
  • Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously work together to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.
  • Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are informed and enabled to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.
  • Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners with equal representation in decisions that affect students and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.
  • Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff work together with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.

“As we ask and expect more from our students, we must also ask and expect more from our parents and guardians,” said Education Commissioner Bruce Opie. “Active parent participation informs and influences policies, practices, and programs that support expanded learning opportunities. Tennessee can only successfully rise to the top with the help of our parents.”

Tennessee’s Parental Involvement Standards were enacted by Senate Bill No. 293. These standards are based on the PTA’s National Standards for Family- School Partnerships and formally adopted by the State Board of Education beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. For more information and resources, visit www.tn.gov/education/fedprog/fpparentinvolve.shtml.

National Parent Involvement Day is sponsored by Project Appleseed, a major nonprofit resource and advocate for families engaged in education and the improvement of learning, wellness, and school facilities. For more information about Project Appleseed, visit www.projectappleseed.org.

For more information, contact Amanda Maynord Anderson at 615-532-7817 or Amanda.Anderson@tn.gov.

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