Nevada Policy of Parental Involvement [and Family Engagement] Pursuant to NRS 385.620 Adopted by Nevada State Board of Education 9/3/2015
The Nevada State Board of Education recognizes that parent involvement and family engagement will lead to successful educational results. The term 'parent' is meant to include any and all care-givers who nurture children on a regular and ongoing basis including, but not limited to, parents, grandparents, foster parents, step-parents, etc. The Nevada State Board of Education also recognizes the absolute need for the collaboration between students, parents, schools and communities to ensure academic success. Meaningful family engagement is based on the premise that parents, educators, and community members share the responsibility for academic, physical, social, emotional and behavioral development of youth. Parents provide the primary educational environment for their children; therefore, it is the partnership between parents and schools that is the fundamental cornerstone for ensuring a child's success. Effective family engagement systems, policies and practices are mindful of diverse school communities that are rich in language, culture, and school experiences. Schools will respect and honor all cultural backgrounds, primary languages and traditions by collaborating with parents and students to create and develop positive relationships.
In order to enhance parental involvement and promote family engagement six essential standards will be fostered:
Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community— Parents and families are active participants in the life of the school, feel welcome, valued, and connected to each other.
A positive educational environment is established by treating families in respectful and
culturally sensitive ways.
Examples include culturally diverse welcome signs, volunteer opportunities, home visits, student work throughout the school, etc.
Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Parents, families and school staff engage in regular, authentic, two-way, meaningful communication about student learning.
Families know how to provide input and respond to school communication.
Written and spoken interaction between families and teachers are respectful. Families
receive positive and consistent information as well as recognition for their engagement.
Standard 3: Supporting student well-being and academic success—Parents, families and school staff continuously collaborate to support student learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.
Teachers use data to show parents and families how their student is doing both individually and compared to grade level standards.
Families receive information, resources and training from teachers and school staff on how they can support their student’s learning at home.
Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Parents and 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.
Teachers work with families to take advantage of resources and programs that support
student success. (ELL, tutoring, counseling)
The teachers and school staff empower families and encourage advocacy for students to resolve problems/conflicts.
Standard 5: Sharing power—Parents, families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.
The teacher collaborates with families to establish an equal voice and mutual
understanding in decisions regarding their student’s education.
Encourage families to become active participants in the school culture at the local and
district level. The schools will encourage purposeful engagement in parent advisory groups, school board meetings, school functions, and activities.
Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Parents, families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.
The teacher and school staff communicates with families about services/resources make referrals to programs and plan activities that expand learning opportunities.
Schools will develop resources to purposefully include and collaborate with community
organizations to participate in classrooms, school events and activities.