The Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council
This council advises the Commissioner and Board of Education on matters pertaining to the development of parent and community involvement in education. Its function is to be proactive and innovative on policy issues that relate to the enhancement of educational achievement of students in Massachusetts. Specifically, the Council will: assess statewide trends and needs; seek public and professional input; analyze information regarding parent and community education and involvement; advise and make recommendations regarding legislation, regulations, and program guidelines; and provide other programmatic recommendations as it deems necessary to fulfill the goals for parent and community involvement established by the Board of Education.
FY2007 Council Statement
The council believes that student achievement increases, schools improve, and parent and community involvement thrives with the following:
Student Learning:
Parents, families, and community members play an integral role in assisting student learning at all grade levels. Communication:
Communication between home and school is consistent, two-way, and meaningful. Responsibility:
Sound parenting practices are promoted and supported. Volunteering:
Parents, families and community members are welcome in the school and their support and assistance are sought. School Decision-Making and Advocacy
Parents and community members contribute in school planning and decision making. Community Collaboration
Community resources are sought to strengthen schools, communities, and families. Educator/Staff Development
Personnel training (pre-service and in-service) includes courses and workshops on parent, family, and community involvement.
The Parent, Family, and Community Involvement Guide  provides more details regarding standards and elements of successful programs. This document was created by the Council and distributed in 2001 to all superintendents and a large number of parent and community related organizations in the state.
Meeting Schedule: Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|
| Tuesday, December 2, 2008 | (5:00-7:30 pm) |  1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA |
| Wednesday, January 28, 2009 | (10:00-12:30 pm) | 1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA |
| Thursday March 5, 2009 | (10:00-1:00 pm) | 1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA |
| Tuesday, March 21, 2009 | (10 am- 1pm) | Room 4750 in 800 Cummings Park, Woburn, MA |
| Tuesday, May 5, 2009 | (10:00 am-1:00 pm) | 1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA |
| Tuesday, June 9, 2009 | (10:00 am-12:00 pm) | 1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA |
For details, to confirm dates or locations, or to RSVP: Call 781-338-6246 or email ewedegartner@doe.mass.edu.
Related Resources:
 Examples of MA District Efforts to Increase Family Involvement
Other Family & Community Education and Involvement Resources
Contact Information:
Eileen Wedegartner, Liaison
and Rachelle Engler Bennett, Director of Student Services
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Student Support Unit
75 Pleasant Street, Malden MA 02148
781-338-6246 / 781-338-3205
ewedegartner@doe.mass.edu / renglerbennett@doe.mass.edu
FY09 Council Members
| First | Last | Title | Institution |
|---|
| Michelle | Brooks | Asst Superintendent for Family and Student Engagement | Boston Public Schools |
| Karen | Bryant | State and Federal Information Services Specialist | Springfield Public Schools |
| Kim | Hunt | President | Massachusetts PTA |
| Karen | Mapp, Ed. D | Lecturer on Education | Harvard Graduate School of Education |
| Evelyn | Nellum | Community Representative | Boston |
| Pamela | Westmoreland | Director of Administration | The Learning Partnership |
| Antonia | Blinn | Program Director | MA Coalition of School-Based Health Centers |
| Laurie | Carr | Principal | John D. Philbrick Elementary, BPS |
| Kristine | Coffey-Donahue | Parent; Attorney | Westborough; Law office of Kristine D. Coffey-Donahue |
| Patricia | Gorham | Director of SOAR | Swampscott Public Schools |
| Barbara | Krol-Sinclair | Adjunct Faculty; Director of Intergenerational Literacy Program | Granite State College; Chelsea Public Schools/Boston |
| Terrance | Ingano | Director of Cur./Grant Management, K-12 | Clinton Public Schools |
| Sonja | Lartey | Senior Staff Consultant | Verizon Communication |
| Stuart | Peskin | Teacher | Natick Public Schools |
| Margaret | O'Hare | Director | Massachusetts Parent and Information and Resource Center (PIRC) Federation for Children with Special Needs |
| Courtney | Rizzo | Grade 6 Teacher | Kennedy Elementary School, Somerville Public Schools |
| Christopher | Sposato | Principal | Pittsfield Public Schools |
| Kristen | Sullivan | Research Analyst | Bentley University |
| Abby | Weiss | Executive Director | Full-Service Schools Roundtable |
| JoAnne | McCormick | Director of Guidance | Dedham Public Schools |
last updated: May 21, 2009
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