| Citation: | Redding, S. & Sheley, P. (2005). The role of states in family-school relations. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Montreal, Canada. |
Annotation:
This study's purpose is to discuss state legislative actions that affect family-school relationships. The research is based on a policy search of legislation from 1996-2003 that pertain to the relationship between family and school. Results indicated that the legislative actions could be categorized into three areas: parental rights and responsibilities, preparing children for academic success, and connecting families with resources within their communities. Actions affecting the rights and responsibilities of parents focused on special education and on employer-provided time off for parents to attend school activities. Legislation to provide support for preparing children for school success involved programs focused on birth to school age, programs to promote family literacy, and programs aimed at encouraging parental participation in children's learning during the school years. The Education Commission of the States (ECS) conducted the policy search, reviewing proposed legislation in the 50 states touching on the role of parents. This search revealed 101 acts relevant to the relationship between families and schools. Information about various state-legislated family involvement programs are presented. This study provides a look at state polices related to family involvement across the US. Recommendations for future state actions include training for school personnel who work with parents, school accountability for parent involvement, and evaluation of parent involvement programs.
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