Research demonstrates that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces the dropout rate. To strengthen family engagement policies in education Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), working with several National Advocacy Organizations, introduced the Family Engagement in Education Act. The Family Engagement in Education Act (H.R. 5211) incentivizes schools and districts to meaningfully engage families to close the achievement gap.

In less than a month, 12 representatives from both sides of the aisle have joined Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Congressman Todd Platts in cosponsoring the Family Engagement in Education Act (HR 5211). View an updated list of sponsors by visiting: http://lulac.org/r/17262/1057/0

In order to build on our efforts and keep momentum going, there will be a National Call-in Day for H.R. 5211 on Friday, June 11, 2010.

We urge you to join parents, teachers, and child advocates across the nation in calling 1-866-608-6355 to contact your Representative in Congress and asking them to cosponsor H.R. 5211. To learn more about H.R. 5211, visit: http://lulac.org/r/17263/1057/0 or call Iris Chavez at 202-833-6130 x13.

Talking Points:

• I urge you to become a cosponsor of the Family Engagement in Education Act (H. R. 5211), introduced with bipartisan support by Congresswoman McCarthy (R-NY) and Congressman Platts (R-PA).

• Research demonstrates that when parents are engaged in their children's education, student achievement and graduation rates increase.

• This bill provides guidance and incentives for schools and districts on best practices in engaging parents to raise student achievement.

• The Family Engagement in Education Act support teachers and principals by providing professional development for educators on how to partner with parents to close the achievement gap.

• H.R. 5211 builds statewide capacity to engage parents and establishes coordinating councils, comprised of parents, educators, and other community stakeholders to coordinate family engagement initiatives across a child's lifespan and in all learning settings.

• This legislation safeguards and strengthens the Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs), the sole federal parent engagement program by tightening their role to scale-up research-based approaches to engaging parents. PIRCs serve over 16 million parents per year, in every state and territory, the majority of whom are low-income and have children that are limited English proficient.

• Thank you for your commitment to children and families. I urge you to join Congresswoman McCarthy and Congressman Platts in ensuring a sound partnership between families and educators to close the achievement gap by becoming a cosponsor of H.R. 5211. Tell the staffer to contact Phil Putter in Congresswoman McCarthy’s office or Mollie Van Lieu in Congressman Platts's office to become a cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation.

   

  Thank you for your commitment to closing the achievement gap for all children!