Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy

RUTHERFORD COUNTY Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy 2017-2018 The entire process of education is improved when the home and school work together as a team. The Rutherford County Title I Program (LEA – Local Educational Agency) values the contributions of parents and families and has developed this policy with their input. Parents and families will have an opportunity to review then approve this policy, and it will be evaluated each year. The purpose of this policy, which is distributed to Title I parents, is to describe how the LEA will carry out the following requirements:

Sharing Power A. Parents and families will be involved in the development, the review, and improvement of the Title I program and parent and family engagement policy through: - answering questionnaires and surveys. - offering formal or informal suggestions or complaints. - approving completed policies and compacts.

Welcoming all Families into the School Community B. The LEA will help the school plan and carry out parent and family engagement activities which meet the needs and desires of parents and families through providing: - support from the LEA parent engagement facilitator. - opportunities for opinions to be expressed at Title I meetings. - surveys to determine needs and barriers to involvement. - resources such as CDs, DVDs, resource people, and printed material. - incentives such as refreshments and educational incentives for some meetings. - materials needed for some parent and family activities and trainings. - assistance with volunteer training for parent and family and community (business) partnerships.

*Title I information is provided in an understandable and uniform format to the extent practical for all parents and families.

Communicating Effectively, Supporting Student Success, Speaking Up for Every Child C. The LEA will provide support, training, and helpful information to school staff and parents and families for the purpose of involving parents and families with their children’s education at home and at school by providing: - a parent engagement facilitator and a facilitator for staff development. - information on curricular objectives & state standards to parents and families. - tips and timely information through newsletters, e-mail, and LEA web page. - promoting or providing parenting classes. - staff development promoting parent and family engagement and learning strategies. - meet with family members needing assistance as requested. - district-wide meetings annually as appropriate. - Title I brochures explaining the program & parent and family rights according to ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), as well as other resource material dealing with topics related to education and parenting.

Collaborating with Community D. The LEA will work with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to provide help for students and their families by: - coordinating with Head Start in parent and family engagement and training. - referring families to agencies for assistance with special needs as requested. - collaborating with programs within the school system to meet special needs. - providing information on educational programs for parents and families wishing to further their education.

E. Parents and families will be involved in evaluating the Parent and Family Engagement Policy for improvement and to determine why some parents and families are not involved.

F. The findings of this evaluation will be used to design necessary changes and strategies for improving the School Plan and Parent and Family Engagement Policy. This evaluation and plans for change will be handled through: - parent and family requests. - responding to questions/concerns and evaluating surveys. - comparing state testing and other assessment results. - submitting suggestions which shall be considered and to which a response will be made.

The Title I program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age.