Over 40 years of research has proven beyond dispute the positive connection between parent involvement and student success. Effectively engaging parents and families in the education of their children has the potential to be far more transformational than any other type of education reform.

The National Standards for Parent and Family Involvement Programs and their quality indicators are research-based and grounded in both sound philosophy and practical experience. The purpose for the standards is threefold:

· To promote meaningful parent and family participation;
· To raise awareness regarding the components of effective programs;
· To provide guidelines for schools that wish to improve their programs.

The program standards are guidelines for leaders of institutions with programs serving parents and families. Therefore, the intended audience includes principals, administrators, educators, and parents who are in positions to influence and improve parent involvement programs. When the standards are used as guidelines, they can direct leaders as they move from discussion to action in developing dynamic programs to improve student achievement through parent involvement.

As with any effective long-term reform, the overall integration and implementation of standards should be based on local needs and circumstances.

The National Standards are:

Standard 1: Communicating —Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.

Standard II: Parenting —Parenting skills are promoted and supported.

Standard III: Student Learning —Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning.

Standard IV: Volunteering —Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.

Standard V: School Decision Making and Advocacy —Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families.

Standard VI: Collaborating with Community —Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.

National PTA participated in the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration panel of experts to review the parent/community involvement components of 12 of the most popular school reform models being used throughout the country.

All of the models were reviewed against National PTA’s National Standards for Parent and Family Involvement Programs.

For more information and complete descriptions of each National Standard, please visit the National PTA.

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