The public comment period on proposed revisions to the policy on parental involvement has been extended by the Policy Committee of the Board of Education to allow greater parent and community input and to take into consideration the implications of the new federal legislation known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Last May, the Board of Education asked for public comment by July 12 about the proposed revisions, which are designed to ensure that successful strategies are used to encourage and sustain active parent involvement. The new deadline for comments is September 6.

Under the revised Policy ABC, Parental Involvement, schools would be encouraged, in collaboration with their parent community, to develop and implement statements on the shared responsibilities, such as parental agreements on the educational objectives for their children. Schools also would be encouraged to develop more effective two-way communication, partnerships, and opportunities for volunteering, training, and shared decision-making.

The revised policy is available on the school system’s website as a PDF file at the link below. Individuals who wish to comment should respond in writing by September 6, 2002. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. The comments will be shared with the Board of Education.