Recognition of Parents and Staff From Selected Title I Elementary and Middle School Sites (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

Goals focused on increasing parental engagement in Title I schools include building the capacity of staff and parents to support the academic achievement of students. A pilot program involving selected Area 4 sites was initiated during the 2009/2010 school year in an effort to provide schools with additional resources that would assist them in addressing these capacity building goals.

Schools identified a training cadre, including parents, that attended a comprehensive two day workshop which provided them with the materials and professional development needed to implement the Parenting Partners^TM Program. The program is based upon the work of the Search Institute which has identified 40 Developmental Assets through their research that correlate to school success.  Parenting Partners^TM gives parents the skills to build these 40 assets in their children. Program materials are also available in Spanish. Program implementation has been expanded to include Area 1 Title 1 elementary schools for the 2010/11 school year.

Title I ARRA funds were used to fund the implementation of this program. The cost for the two day professional development activity and all materials needed to implement the program, including parent workbooks, is $5,000 per site.  Training and materials were provided to 18 sites.

An evaluation was conducted by the Title I evaluator.
·95% of staff reported that the content of the program engaged, interested, and benefitted parents.
·96% of parents surveyed indicated that they plan to increase their involvement with the school.
·97% of parents surveyed responded positively to the question, "I am a stronger more effective parent".