Operating Parent Advisory Councils PACs

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Operating Parent Advisory Councils (PACs)
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Parent Involvement

• All the following NCLB programs require the
  involvement of parents
• in the implementation of the programs
• Title I, Part A
• Title I, Part C
• Title I, Part D
• Title II, Part A
• Title II, Part D
• Title III, Part A
• Title IV, Part A
• Title V, Part A

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Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

• Section 1118
• A written parent involvement policy
• Policy involvement of parents in an organized,
  ongoing, and timely way in the implementation of
  the MEP
• Development of a school-parent compact in order
  to share the responsibility for high student
  academic achievement
• Capacity building of parents and school staff for
  strong parental involvement and
• Effective access to parental involvement
  activities.

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P.L. 107-110, Section 1304 Requirements

• Provides for the same parental involvement as
  outlined in section 1118 of ESEA.
• Requires LEAs to establish a district Parent
  Advisory Council (PAC).
• Requires parental involvement activities to be
  conducted in a format and language understandable
  to parents.

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Definitions

• Parental Involvement
• Drawing in the parent as a participant in the
  educational process of the child
• Attending school programs, meetings, seminars,
  and parent/teacher conferences
• Parental Empowerment
• An involved parent who has been equipped with the
  necessary skills to become an effective
  participant in the educational process of the
  child.
• Serving as PAC member/Officer
• Making Recommendations

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Establishment of PACs

• The State MEP and its subgrantees must establish
  and consult with PACs in the planning and
  operating of MEP regular year programs.
• Independent projects must establish a PAC
• SSAs may establish either regional PACs or
  district-specific PACs

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Goal of a PAC

• To provide parents with knowledge and skills for
  problem solving and decision making
• To provide opportunities for parents to function
  in a variety of roles such as advisors, tutors,
  audience, school program supporters, and advocates

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Role of the PAC

• The PAC advises the LEA on concerns of migrant
  parents that relate to the planning, operation
  and evaluation of MEP programs in which their
  children participate.

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Planning

• Advising
• Action
• Planning Process
• What is to be done?
• Who is going to do it?
• When or by when will it be done?
• Where will it be done?
• How will it be done?

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Operation

• Advising
• Implementation
• Establishing effective programs
• To improve student academic achievement and
  school performance

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Evaluation

• Advising
• Provide suggestions regarding
• Effectiveness of the program
• Improving the program
• Evaluation of results

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Characteristics of a Functional PAC

• Receives information
• Communicates
• Group interaction
• Decision-making
• Honors group consensus on decisions
• Meets regularly
• Schedules meeting times to accommodate parents
• Keeps written minutes

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PAC Eligibility

• Parents or guardians of eligible migrant children
  and individuals who represent the interests of
  such parents are eligible to serve as PAC
  members.
• Selection methods may include election,
  volunteering, nominations and/or appointments.

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State PAC Membership

• Outlined in the State PAC By-laws
• The Texas State Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is
  an advisory group composed of 15 members.
• The majority are migrant parents and/or guardians
• Other State PAC members may include district
  personnel who represent the interests of such
  parents
• Represent various parts of the State
• Nominated by a school district or service center
• Appointed by the Texas Commissioner of Education

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Regional/District PAC

• Develop District By-laws
• To the extent feasible no less than 5 members
• Small districts may be part of the regional PAC
• Members may serve for one to two years
• The majority of members are migrant parents
  and/or guardians
• Other PAC members may include district personnel
  who represent the interests of such parents

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PAC Meetings

• An agenda should be prepared
• Three annual meetings (recommended)
• Meeting times should be convenient for parents
  and accommodate their work schedules
• Must have a quorum
• To the extent possible, elect officers
• Conducted in English and Spanish
• Minutes are in both languages

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PAC Documentation

• Documentation of meeting times and places
• Participant sign-in sheets
• PAC agendas
• PAC minutes

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MEP Funds - PAC

• MEP funds may be used to pay reasonable and
  necessary expenses that PAC members incur to
  attend PAC meetings, i.e., transportation, meals,
  etc.
• MEP funds may be used to reimburse PAC members
  who are not migrant parents.