Research shows that there is a strong correlation between family involvement and student success.Tennessee has adopted the National PTA standards for evaluating school systems in the area of parent/family involvement. Starting with the 2011-2012 Tennessee Report Card, systems will receive a score on accomplishing the 6 standards set forth by the Parent Teacher Association. Those standards are as follows:
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.
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 collaborate 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 empowered 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 in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.
Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation. (www.pta.org)
