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The Board of Education Advisory Councils

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:

  1. Student Learning:
    Parents, families, and community members play an integral role in assisting student learning at all grade levels.

  2. Communication:
    Communication between home and school is consistent, two-way, and meaningful.

  3. Responsibility:
    Sound parenting practices are promoted and supported.

  4. Volunteering:
    Parents, families and community members are welcome in the school and their support and assistance are sought.

  5. School Decision-Making and Advocacy
    Parents and community members contribute in school planning and decision making.

  6. Community Collaboration
    Community resources are sought to strengthen schools, communities, and families.

  7. 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 Download PDF Document 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

DateTimeLocation
Tuesday, November 17, 200910:00 am-12:00pm 1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA
Tuesday, December 15, 200910:00 am- 12:00 pm 1135 Tremont St. Boston, MA
Tuesday, January 19, 201010:00 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:

Download PDF Document  Download MS WORD Document  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

NameTitleInstitution
Antonia BlinnProgram DirectorMA Coalition of School-Based Health Centers
Michelle BrooksAsst Superintendent for Family and Student EngagementBoston Public Schools
Laurie CarrPrincipalJohn D. Philbrick Elementary, BPS
Ana Maria ChiconFramingham Public SchoolsFramingham
Kristine Coffey-DonahueParent; AttorneyWestborough; Law office of Kristine D. Coffey-Donahue
Don DaviesFounderInstitute for Responsive Education
Marsha FinkelsteinPresident/Founder of Moving Beyong Coaching and ConsultingMoving Beyond Coaching and Consulting
Patricia GorhamDirector of SOARSwampscott Public Schools
Kim HuntPresidentMassachusetts PTA
Bonnie KlaneSharon High School- VolunteerSharon High School
Barbara Krol-SinclairAdjunct Faculty; Director of Intergenerational Literacy ProgramGranite State College; Chelsea Public Schools/Boston University
Sonja LarteyParent; Senior Staff ConsultantVerizon Communication
Karen Mapp, Ed. DLecturer on EducationHarvard Graduate School of Education
Joanne McCormickDirector of GuidanceDedham Public Schools
Evelyn NellumCommunity RepresentativeBoston
Margaret O'HareDirectorMassachusetts Parent and Information and Resource Center (PIRC) Federation for Children with Special Needs
Stuart Peskin Director of Title I Dissemination Project
Jennifer PintoPlymouth Youth Development CollaborativePlymouth Public Schools
Courtney RizzoELA MCAS Tutor Grades 4-8Kennedy Elementary School, Somerville Public Schools
Christopher SposatoDean of StudentsLenox Public Schools
Kristen Sullivan Asst. Director of Institutional ResearchBentley College
Abby WeissExecutive DirectorFull-Service Roundtable
Richard WeissbourdLecturer HGSE and Kennedy School of GovernmentHarvard Graduate School of Education + Kennedy School of Gov't
Pam WestmorelandCommunity LiaisonSpringfield, MA


last updated: November 4, 2009
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