The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) previously released Director’s Memo SI-04-004, Parental Involvement Guidelines governing Act 603 of 2003. The ADE is pleased to better clarify areas within the Guidelines.
Professional Development:
The required professional development hours are included in the Standards of Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools Rules approved by the State Board of Education in August 2003. These hours may be acquired at any time during the school year.
Parental Involvement Plan:
Each school shall develop a parental involvement plan by September 1, 2003, and may use the 2003-2004 school year to make modifications. These modifications or additions may be cited and incorporated within the Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan (ACSIP). Schools are not required to submit a separate parental involvement plan to the ADE. The parental involvement plan should be on file at each school. Beginning October 1, 2004, every school district shall review and update the district’s parental involvement plan and it shall become a part of the school’s Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan (ACSIP).
Facilitator:
Each school principal shall designate a facilitator. If a facilitator serves two or more schools, schools shall abide by the required supplemental payment. The school should consider the role and responsibilities of the facilitator, as well as the size of the school.
Paycheck size cards with tips for parents:
Each school may comply with this requirement by contacting some major employers in their vicinity about including the cards with paychecks. The paycheck size cards are mandated but they may also be included in the Family Kits.