Parent and Community Involvement

Internet Resouces

Table of Contents This guide points to selected Internet information resources that address the various issues relating to parent involvement. It is organized in six sections: Policy -- national education policy Practices -- a discussion of effective practices in parent involvement Research -- studies of parent involvement programs Organizations -- centers, assocations, and other organizations Regional Resources -- resources at the state and local level within Region 3 These links have been compiled as a "starting point" for exploring the vast resources available through the Internet. Inclusion in this guide does not represent an endorsement by the Region 3 Comprehensive Center.

POLICY

With passage of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB)Law, Congress reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)--the principal federal law affecting education from kindergarten through high school. NCLB and Choices for Parents   back to the top

PRACTICES

National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs -- National PTA's guidelines for educators in order that they more effectively engage parents and families in the education of their children Family Empowerment -- a chapter in Educate America: A Call for Equity in School Reform, from the National Coalition of Educational Equity Advocates, this provides information on collaborative services, parenting education, and more. Parent and Family Involvement -- pathways and research findings from the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, including action options for parents and educators. Reaching All Families: Creating Family-Friendly Schools -- a Department of Education booklet designed to stimulate thinking and discussion about how schools can better involve all families, regardless of family circumstances or student performance, in their children's education.   back to the top

RESEARCH

Studies in Education Reform: Parent and Community Involvement in Education -- a study sponsored by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement that looks at more than 25 years of research in parent and community involvement and the outcomes of state and local initiatives and mandates.     back to the top

ORGANIZATIONS

Children First, the website of the National Parent-Teacher Association -- the National PTA's mission includes the goal of encouraging parent and public involvement U.S. public schools; this site has news, educational programs, publications, and links to other related sites. Early Childhood and Parenting Collaborative Information and Technology Group -- is home to more than a dozen projects focused on the education, care, and parenting of young children. Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) -- a nonprofit organization that serves families of children and adults with disabilities; PACER contains articles, information on multiple projects, and links to many national organizations, associations, and other related sites. Parent Education Network, a non-profit organization in Pennsylvania that offers information, skills and support to parents of children with special needs; PEN provides free assistance with individual questions, publishes a quarterly newsletter, conducts workshop training's, provides information on disabilities, provides support and information to minority parents, and offers skills training in communication and self-advocacy techniques for parents. back to the top

REGIONAL RESOURCES

Parent Information and Resource Centers -- U.S. Department of Education-funded parent information and resource centers in 28 states which help families and schools support children's learning. Centers within Region 3 are: Maryland -- Child Care Connection in Rockville, MD New Jersey -- Prevent Child Abuse, in Newark, NJ Ohio -- Lighthouse Youth Services, in Cincinnati, OH Pennsylvania -- Community Action Southwest in Washington, PA Washington, D.C. -- Greater Washington Urban League A number of state and local PTAs have their own websites: District of Columbia PTA Delaware State PTA Maryland State PTA New Jersey State PTA Ohio State PTA Pennsylvania State PTA     back to the top