The School Board of Sarasota County recognizes that it is a fundamental right of parents to direct the education of their minor children. To support the mission of the school district, which is to prepare students to achieve the highest learning standards, the schools and parents must work together as partners.

 Although parents are diverse in culture, language and needs, the District understands their commitment to the educational success of their children. This school district and the schools within its boundaries, in collaboration with parents, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent engagement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.

As defined in FS 1014, “parent” means any person who has legal custody of a minor child as a natural or adoptive parent or a legal guardian.

I. In accordance with State and Federal Law, the Superintendent for each School District receiving Title I funding shall make sure parents and students are notified they may request, and the District will provide, information regarding the student’s classroom teacher:

a. Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction, and;

b. Whether the teacher is teaching under any emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria has been waived, or;

c. The undergraduate major of the teachers, area of study, and any certificates for graduate degrees earned, or;

d. The qualifications of any paraprofessionals providing services to their child or children

II. Parents shall also be provided information regarding:

a. The level of their child or children on required State academic assessments; and

b. If the student has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable State certification or licensure requirements or subject area they are assigned.

III. As required by Federal Law, the District shall develop review a Title I Parent and Family Engagement Plan. This plan shall be reviewed annually to ensure ESSA compliance.

IV. The Superintendent or designee shall develop, implement and regularly evaluate a parent engagement program in each school, which will include  parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles. The parent engagement programs shall include, but not be limited to the following components:

a. Communication between home and school is ongoing, two-way and meaningful.

b. Responsible parenting is promoted and supported.

c. Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning, including in the areas of homework, school attendance, and discipline.

d. Parents are welcome in school and their support and assistance are sought.

e. Parent education programs are offered.

f. Parents are partners in the decision making that affects children and families.

g. Community resources are utilized to strengthen school programs, family practices and student learning.

V. The Board supports professional learning opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent engagement strategies.

VI. The Board recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation.

VII. The Board supports the development, implementation and regular evaluation of a program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school system, using to the degree possible, the components listed above.