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Where are the requirements for MEP parent and family engagement?
MEP Seven Areas of Concern
In the MEP Seven Areas of Concern, the importance of family engagement on the success of the migratory student is recognized as stated in topic #5 “Educational Support in the Home: While migratory parents value education for their children, they may not always know how to support their children in a manner consistent with school expectations nor have the means to offer an educationally rich home environment. Efforts to inform families in a manner that fits cultural and economic circumstances are crucial.”3
Office of Migrant Education (OME)
The OME has provided Non-Regulatory Guidance on Title I, Part C Education of Migratory Children. In this document, Chapter VII provides MEPs with guidance on the inclusion, operation, expenditures and many more details specific to parent involvement.4
ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application Program Guidelines
The ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application Program Guidelines state that to ensure parental participation in the MEP, the migrant-funded LEA will establish an LEA-wide Migrant Parent Advisory Council PAC which will be elected by the parents of eligible migratory students, nominated, by volunteering, and which will be composed of a majority of such parents. PAC meetings must be conducted in a format and language that is understandable to migratory parents. To ensure full parent participation, PAC meetings should be held at times convenient for the migratory parents and transportation and childcare should be offered.
ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application Program-Specific Provisions and Assurances
In addition, the ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application Program-Specific Provisions and Assurances also includes assurances relating to the Migrant PAC and Parental Involvement. When an LEA accepts MEP funding, they assure that they will:
- Establish a Migrant PAC to ensure parental participation in the MEP;
- Have meaningful consultation with parents of migratory students in the planning and operation of the local MEP.
- Plan and implement of LEA’s MEP with the same parental involvement as required for programs and projects under Section 1116; and
- Conduct PAC meetings in a format and language that is understandable to migratory parents. To ensure full parent participation, PAC meetings should be held at times convenient for the migratory parents and transportation and childcare should be offered.