HE‘E Testimony to BOE Student Achievement Committee
HE‘E Coalition
4348 Waialae Ave., Suite 322
Honolulu, HI 96816HI 96816
Tel: 808-926-1530
Fax: 808-926-1533
www.HEECoalition.org
Board of Education Student Achievement Committee
June 21, 2011
Agenda Item: IV. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD ACTION ON THE BOE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT COMMITTEE CHARTER
V. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD ACTION ON THE BOE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS OF ENGAGEMENT
Dear Cheryl Ka‘uhane Lupenui, Committee Chair, Keith Amemiya, Committee Vice Chairperson and Committee Members:
Hui for Excellence in Education, or “HE’E,” is a statewide coalition of diverse stakeholders committed to working collaboratively to identify opportunities to improve public education in Hawai‘i. HE‘E seeks to be the focal point for community and parent engagement while serving as a public resource for educational policy.
One of our working groups is looking at parent and community engagement in schools. The working group, in response to SCR 145, is reviewing the DOE parent Involvement Policy 2403 and developing metrics to better assess parent involvement and student achievement. The Working Group is reviewing national research on parent engagement policies to compare with our policy and make any amendments. In addition, the working group is looking at specific metrics to evaluate our parent involvement policy so that parents and principals can better assess the effectiveness of parent engagement and student achievement.
We would like to be involved with the Student Achievement Committee’s efforts and would be willing to support your efforts in any way possible. Please let us know the process and timeframe to submit comments and recommendations on this issue.
Sincerely,
Cheri Nakamura
HE’E Coalition Director
BOE Policy 2403
PARENT/FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
The Board of Education recognizes that a child’s education is a responsibility shared by the school and the family during the entire period the child spends in school. To support the goal of the Department of Education (Department) to educate all students effectively, schools and parents must work as knowledgeable partners.
Although parents are diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the schools’ commitment in the educational success of their children. The Department and its schools, in collaboration with parents, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent involvement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.
To this end, the Board of Education supports the Department in the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of parent involvement programs in each school. The implementation will involve parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles, including input in decision-making processes and practices. The parent involvement program will be comprehensive and coordinated in nature. It will include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:
● Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.
● Responsible parenting is promoted and supported.
● Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning, including successful achievement of the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards.
● Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.
● Parents are partners in the decisions that affect children and families.
● Community resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.
The Department shall implement administrative guidelines that support professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies. The Department recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation.
Engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement and to realize the Vision of a Public School Graduate.
Approved: 05/03/01; Revised: 09/18/03