Board Policy 20: PARENT COMMUNICATION, ENGAGEMENT, & PARTNERSHIP
The Board recognizes parents as the primary caregivers and decision-makers for their children and respects the vital role they play in the development and education of their children. The Board is also grounded in a vision of parents that acknowledges their importance both as valued partners and active participants in their children’s education. Good schools become better schools when they are strongly connected with parents as part of the learning community. When parents are engaged and involved, everyone - students, parents, families, teachers, schools, and communities - benefits, and our schools become increasingly rich and positive places to teach, learn, and grow. In addition, the Board understands that the parent-division partnership is essential in a student’s development and fostering a relationship of reciprocal trust.
Research has proven parent engagement has a positive impact on student achievement and the Board is committed to ensuring students are supported and inspired to learn in a culture of high expectations in which parents:
- Are welcomed, respected, and valued by the school community as partners in their children's learning and development;
- Have opportunities to be involved in the educational community to support student success;
- Are engaged through ongoing communication and dialogue with other educational partners to support a positive learning environment at home and at school;
- Are supported with the information and tools necessary to participate in school life.
Specifically
- Schools will establish and sustain a positive learning culture and a welcoming school climate where parental input is encouraged, respected, and valued.
- The Board shall actively promote the involvement and engagement (both formally and informally) of parents with boards and schools and encourage parents to share their ideas for improving student achievement and well-being to support board planning (e.g. through school councils, focus groups, and parent surveys)
- The Board shall ensure that information about board and school policies, procedures, and practices to students, parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, volunteers, and the broader community, is provided in a timely manner.
- The Board shall monitor parent engagement in ways that support and foster student learning and achievement and the division's mission and vision.
- The Board is committed to transparency in the curriculum covered and materials provided to students and encourages parents to communicate regularly with schools regarding their children’s education.
Legal Reference:
Section 11,33,52,53,56,196,197,222 Education Act
Approved: May 30, 2017
Amended: August 21, 2018; May 2022
Last Updated: October 19, 2023