Parent and Family Engagement

Contact: Paul Perrotta  

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Office of Federal Programs recognizes the critical role that partnerships among public school units (PSUs), parents, families, and communities play in student success. High-quality parent and family engagement (PFE) programming can significantly improve student outcomes.

 

NC DPI supports PSUs using a systematic process, evidence-based practices, and a PFE strategic plan to advance family and community engagement goals and drive measurable improvements. Research supports PSUs using a self-assessment tool or instrument to examine organizational conditions and identify barriers to family engagement. Such instruments are essential for informed planning, goal setting, and effective implementation of a comprehensive, school-level, parent, family, and community engagement program.

To support North Carolina PSUs, The 7 Essential Components: A Guide for Strategic Planning and Program Improvement with Parent and Family Engagement has been developed and includes:

  • A self-assessment tool with embedded evidence-based practices
  • Process measures and data-informed action steps
  • Resources to support the development of a strong PFE Strategic Plan to help the infrastructure, operations, and implementation of a comprehensive, family engagement program at the school level  

 

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Requirements and activities for public school units receiving Title I funds per the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Sec. 1116. Parent and Family Engagement and Sec. 1112(e) Parents Right-To-Know are supported within the ESSA PFE and Parent Rights to Know Toolkit. 

The Toolkit breaks down the law to help PSUs better understand district and school level compliance and monitoring areas specific to the PFE policy, reservation of funds, annual meeting title I meetings, school-parent compact, capacity building, and accessibility. 

Below are a few ESSA stand-alone tools and examples of letters for PSUs to consider with programming and compliance efforts. 

 

Tools

 

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