Policy 6443

Curriculum Decisions

Parental and Family Engagement Policy

Reviewed and affirmed by the Board: 9/13/2022
Last Revision:
Original publish date: 10/14/2014
Related policies & regulations: 1210, 1220, 1230, 1230.1, 1235, 1235.1, 1250, 1250.1, 1430, 1430.2, 5200, 5300, 5330, 5330.1, 5330.2, 5340, 5340.1, 5340.2, 5340.3, 5350, 5350.1, 5350.2, 5360, 6350.2, 6430.5, 6430.6, 6430.7, 6430.8, 6430.9, 6440.1, 6440.2, 6440.3, 6440.4, 6443.1, 6450, 6500, 6522, 6530.1, 6560.1, 6570, 6570.4, 6580, 6600, 6600.1, 6600.2, 6600.3, 6601, 6601.1, 6602, 6602.1, 6610, 6610.1, 6620, 6620.1, 6621, 6621.1
Legal references: 20 U.S.C. §§6318 and 7801(32)

Lincoln Public Schools intends to follow the Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy guidelines in accordance with federal law, Section 1116(a)(1)(2)(A -F) ESSA, (Every Student Succeeds Act) of 2015.

In General
The written District Parent and Family Engagement Policy has been developed jointly with, updated periodically and distributed to parents and family members of participating children and the local community in an understandable and uniform format. This policy agreed on by such parents describes the means for carrying out the requirements as listed below:

Parents and family members of all students are welcomed and encouraged to become involved with their child’s school and education; this includes parents and family members that have limited English proficiency, limited literacy, are economically disadvantaged, have disabilities, racial or ethnic minority background or are migratory children. Information related to school and parent programs, meetings, school reports and other activities are sent to the parents of participating children in a format, and to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.
- Multilingual Communication
  - Most school and district communications (newsletters, notices, report cards, event invitations) are translated into the primary languages spoken by families in the district’s eight major languages.
  - Bilingual Liaisons and Interpreters are provided for parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, and school events.
  - Bilingual liaisons serve as cultural and language bridges between schools and families.
  - Example: A parent information night is held with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese to ensure families can fully participate.
- Accessible Materials and Events
  - All materials are provided in clear, plain language and are accessible for families with limited literacy.
  - Events are hosted at multiple times (e.g., evenings, weekends) to accommodate work schedules.
  - Childcare and transportation support may be offered for key family events.
  - Example: Parent workshops on helping with homework or navigating school systems are held in the schools and include childcare and translated handouts.
- Personalized Outreach and Support
  - Schools proactively reach out to families who may face barriers to engagement through home visits, phone calls, or text messaging systems, ie. school messenger.
  - Families of students with disabilities receive individualized support to participate in meetings and events meaningfully.
  - Example: A family with a visually impaired parent is provided materials in large print and given the option to participate in meetings via Zoom.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement
  - The district routinely assesses the effectiveness of its engagement strategies and seeks input from underrepresented families to improve outreach, accessibility, and impact. Engagement efforts are aligned with the district’s equity goals to ensure all families feel valued, heard, and empowered
Parents are involved in the planning, review, evaluation, and improvement of the Title I program, Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the School-Parent Compact at an annual parent meeting scheduled at a convenient time. This would include the planning and implementation of effective parent and family involvement activities.
- Annual Title I Meetings
  - Each Title I school hosts an annual meeting to inform families of the school’s participation in Title I and to review the Parent and Family Engagement Policy.
  - Parents are invited to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the program and make suggestions for improvement.
  - Example: At the start of the school year, each Title I building holds an open forum where families review the school-parent compact, discuss how Title I funds are used, and complete a survey to recommend changes.
- Advisory Committees & Focus Groups
  - Parents serve on district and school-level Parent Advisory Committees that help shape policies, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend changes to Title I plans.
  - Example: A Parent Teacher Advisory/Association meeting is held monthly. At least annually, the committee helps shape policies, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend changes to Title I plans.
- Surveys and Feedback Tools
  - Lincoln Public Schools distributes annual parent surveys to gather input on Title I services, school climate, and family engagement practices.
  - Results are used to revise both school and district-level Parent and Family Engagement Policies.
  - Example: Feedback from a perception survey led to extended parent-teacher conference hours and additional communication methods in multiple languages.
- Translation and Accessibility Supports
  - Materials related to Title I and family engagement are provided in families’ home languages.
  - Interpreters and Bilingual Liaisons support parents during meetings.
  - Example: Translated family engagement night materials were sent home with students for their families to review.
- Commitment to Building Partnerships
  - Outreach is designed to build trust, reduce barriers, and create authentic partnerships with families in every school community.
Conduct, with meaningful parent and family involvement, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the Parent and Family Engagement Policy. Use the evaluation findings to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise the Parent and Family Engagement Policy.
- Collaborative Evaluation Planning
  - The process includes a review of how well schools are meeting the goals and strategies outlined in the Parent and Family Engagement Policy (PFEP).
  - Example: Each school receiving Title I funding conducts an annual meeting where parents meet with staff to review programming and give feedback on the goals and strategies.
- Multiple Methods for Gathering Parent Feedback
  - Lincoln Public Schools also uses surveys, focus groups, listening sessions, and feedback forms to collect input from diverse parent groups, including those with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and historically underserved backgrounds.Feedback tools are made accessible through translation, plain language, and online/in-person options.
  - Example: In additional to the annual meeting opportunity for families to provide feedback, a family climate and engagement survey is distributed in eight languages and shared through schools, district email, and social media. Interpreters and Bilingual Liaisons are available during focus groups.
- Data Review & Analysis
  - Collected data is disaggregated by school, grade level, and subgroup (e.g., EL families, special education, Title I) to identify trends, gaps, and disparities.
  - Lincoln Public Schools analyzes both content (e.g., Are families receiving clear communication?) and effectiveness (e.g., Are families participating in meaningful ways?).
  - Example: Survey results show that families of English Learners want more consistent two-way communication; this led to the implementation of a bilingual text messaging option through the district School messenger.
- Use of Evidence-Based Strategies
  - Evaluation findings are used to design and implement evidence-based family engagement strategies, such as:
    - Home visits and personal outreach
    - Culturally responsive family workshops
    - Family Literacy programs at various schools
  - Example: After reviewing feedback, schools begin hosting grade-level family nights focused on academic skills, aligned to research on family engagement in learning.
- Policy Review and Revision
  - A revised draft of the Parent and Family Engagement Policy is shared with families for feedback before adoption.
  - Finalized revisions are shared publicly and incorporated into school plans and Title I website.
  - Example: Based on input, the PFEP is updated to include more flexible scheduling for school events and a clearer description of parent rights under Title I.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Communication
  - Results of the evaluation and updates to the policy are shared transparently with families through newsletters, websites, and school meetings.
  - Schools monitor implementation and report back to the district on how new strategies are working.
  - Example: Schools publish their most recent policy on the school website.
- Commitment to Improvement
  - Lincoln Public Schools views the annual evaluation as a continuous improvement process, ensuring that the PFEP remains responsive to family voice and reflective of best practices in family-school partnerships.
Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools;
- Dedicated Federal Programs Team and School Support Structures
  - Lincoln Public Schools assigns Federal Programs Staff to work directly with schools to support compliance, planning, and implementation.
  - School leaders receive regular guidance on budget planning, parent and family engagement, allowable expenses, and Title I schoolwide planning.
  - Example: Each Title I school has direct access to the Federal Programs department which reviews their Schoolwide Plan, attends meetings, and provides ongoing consultation.
- Ongoing Technical Assistance and Training
  - Lincoln Public Schools offer annual and ongoing professional development for principals, instructional coaches, and other staff members.
  - Trainings include topics such as:
    - Effective use of Title I funds
    - Engaging diverse families
    - Data-driven decision-making
    - Compliance with ESSA and state guidelines
  - Example: Lincoln Public Schools holds a minimum of 4 annual meetings with all Title I schools.
- Collaborative Planning and Implementation Support
  - Schools receive assistance with conducting Comprehensive Needs Assessments (CNA) and developing School Improvement Plans aligned to district goals.
  - Lincoln Public Schools provides templates, data dashboards, and direct coaching to guide schools through the planning process.
  - Example: A Title I school receives help analyzing achievement data and family survey results to update their engagement strategies.
- Monitoring and Feedback Loops
  - Lincoln Public Schools conducts site visits, reviews, and budget check-ins to monitor program implementation.
  - Feedback from these visits is used to offer targeted coaching and ensure schools are meeting requirements and achieving results.
  - Example: After a review, Lincoln Public Schools helps a school restructure their parent involvement budget to better align with family needs and federal guidelines.
- Resource Sharing and Model Practices
  - Lincoln Public Schools shares toolkits, translated templates, sample compacts, and policy drafts to reduce the burden on school teams.
  - Schools are encouraged to share promising practices with one another through peer networks and learning communities.
  - Example: One school’s success with a multilingual family engagement series is featured at Title I meetings and adapted by other sites.
- Alignment with Other Programs and Community Services
  - Lincoln Public Schools coordinates with departments such as Special Education, English Learners, and Early Childhood to provide integrated support.
  - Schools also receive guidance on connecting families to community-based resources such as housing, legal aid, or mental health services.
  - Example: Lincoln Public Schools facilitates collaboration between a Title I school and local nonprofit partners to deliver food for families in need.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement
  - Lincoln Public Schools ensures that all assistance is responsive to the unique contexts and needs of each school. Technical assistance is designed to build sustainable capacity, so that schools not only comply, but thrive.
Involve parents in the activities of the schools served under this part.
- Annual Title I Family Meetings
  - All Title I schools host an Annual Title I Meeting to explain the Title I program, use of funds, family rights under ESSA, and opportunities for involvement.
  - These meetings are accessible in families’ home languages and include time for Q&A.
  - Example: A school holds its Title I meeting during a back-to-school night with interpretation provided and information shared via printed and digital materials.
- Family-Centered Events and Learning Activities
  - Schools organize a variety of academic and cultural events to involve families and connect them with student learning.
  - Activities are co-designed with families to reflect student needs and community interests.
  - Examples: Math game nights, literacy workshops, STEM family nights, cultural celebrations that honor and include multilingual and immigrant families
- Volunteer and Leadership Opportunities
  - Schools encourage parents to volunteer in classrooms, libraries, field trips, and school committees.
  - Parents are invited to serve on School Improvement Teams, Parent Advisory Committees, and PTAs, with training and support as needed.
  - Example: Title I schools recruit parents to serve as classroom volunteers and helps them gain district volunteer clearance and orientation.
- Regular, Two-Way Communication
  - Schools maintain ongoing communication through newsletters, phone calls, emails, messaging, and social media, translated into home languages.
  - Parents are kept informed about school events, student progress, and how to get involved.
  - Example: Each month, schools share newsletters that highlight key events, student activities, and important announcements.
- Collaboration with Community Partners
  - Lincoln Public Schools works with local organizations to support school-based events and connect families with resources.
  - Community partners may co-host family nights, offer legal or mental health support, or provide educational sessions.
  - Example: The school combines parent-teacher conferences with a community resource fair, bringing in local partners to provide families with valuable services and support.
- Commitment to Meaningful Engagement
  - Lincoln Public School’s approach to family involvement goes beyond event attendance. It aims to build relationships, increase trust, and empower families as co-educators, advocates, and leaders in their child’s educational journey.
Coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies and activities with other Federal, State and local programs.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  - Lincoln Public Schools facilitates regular collaboration among programs such as Title I, Title III (EL), Special Education (IDEA), Title I Part C Education, McKinney-Vento, and Early Childhood.
  - Shared goals and strategies are developed to align outreach, events, and support.
  - Example: A supervisory team convenes every other month to evaluate program budgets and ensure consistency with district goals and resource planning.
- Joint Family Events and Trainings
  - Schools and departments co-host events that address the needs of families served by multiple programs.
  - Events are designed to be accessible, culturally responsive, and resource rich.
  - Examples: A Title I family literacy night includes resources in alignment with the district curriculum. A school readiness night for preschool families is coordinated with Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education, and Title I staff.
- Shared Communication Systems
  - Lincoln Public Schools uses a unified communication strategy to ensure families receive consistent information across programs.
  - Newsletters, school apps (Synergy), and translated outreach materials are developed jointly and shared broadly.
  - Example: A monthly district-wide family newsletter features updates and resources from the district and community partners.
- Leveraging Community Partnerships
  - Lincoln Public Schools works with local agencies, nonprofits, and cultural organizations to provide support during family engagement events and to increase access to services.
  - Example: A family resource fair during parent-teacher conferences includes partners from housing support services, health clinics, legal aid, and early childhood centers.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation
  - Lincoln Public Schools collects data from family surveys, event participation, and program reports to assess the effectiveness of integrated strategies.
  - Findings are used to refine future engagement efforts and better serve families with overlapping program involvement.
- Commitment to Broader Community Access
  - By coordinating parent and family engagement strategies across programs, Lincoln Public Schools ensures that all families receive consistent, supportive, and meaningful opportunities to participate in their child’s education.