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.
FY2010 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 2009 - Spring 2010
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
FY10 Council Members
| Name | Title | Institution |
|---|
| Antonia Blinn | Program Director | MA Coalition of School-Based Health Centers |
| Michelle Brooks | Asst Superintendent for Family and Student Engagement | Boston Public Schools |
| Laurie Carr | Principal | John D. Philbrick Elementary, BPS |
| Ana Maria Chicon | Framingham Public Schools | Framingham |
| Kristine Coffey-Donahue | Parent; Attorney | Westborough; Law office of Kristine D. Coffey-Donahue |
| Don Davies | Founder | Institute for Responsive Education |
| Marsha Finkelstein | President/Founder of Moving Beyong Coaching and Consulting | Moving Beyond Coaching and Consulting |
| Patricia Gorham | Director of SOAR | Swampscott Public Schools |
| Kim Hunt | President | Massachusetts PTA |
| Bonnie Klane | Sharon High School- Volunteer | Sharon High School |
| Barbara Krol-Sinclair | Adjunct Faculty; Director of Intergenerational Literacy Program | Granite State College; Chelsea Public Schools/Boston University |
| Sonja Lartey | Parent; Senior Staff Consultant | Verizon Communication |
| Karen Mapp, Ed. D | Lecturer on Education | Harvard Graduate School of Education |
| Joanne McCormick | Director of Guidance | Dedham Public Schools |
| Evelyn Nellum | Community Representative | Boston |
| Margaret O'Hare | Director | Massachusetts Parent and Information and Resource Center (PIRC) Federation for Children with Special Needs |
| Stuart Peskin | Director of Title I Dissemination Project |
| Jennifer Pinto | Plymouth Youth Development Collaborative | Plymouth Public Schools |
| Courtney Rizzo | ELA MCAS Tutor Grades 4-8 | Kennedy Elementary School, Somerville Public Schools |
| Christopher Sposato | Dean of Students | Lenox Public Schools |
| Kristen Sullivan | Asst. Director of Institutional Research | Bentley College |
| Abby Weiss | Executive Director | Full-Service Roundtable |
| Richard Weissbourd | Lecturer HGSE and Kennedy School of Government | Harvard Graduate School of Education + Kennedy School of Gov't |
| Pam Westmoreland | Community Liaison | Springfield, MA |
last updated: November 4, 2009
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