W. Va. Code R. § 126-11A-2

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Section 126-11A-2 - Purpose

2.1. Everyone in a community benefits from effective schools. The West Virginia Board of Education (hereinafter WVBE) believes that parent, family, business, and community engagement at early childhood, middle and adolescent levels is absolutely fundamental to a healthy system of public education. The WVBE further believes education is a shared responsibility. When parents, families, businesses, and members of the community are involved with schools, all children benefit. Adult participation sends the message that school is important and the work children do there is worthy of adult attention. Research on community and family involvement with schools has consistently shown that such involvement adds to the quality of the schools involved and makes a difference in children's behaviors and academic achievement.

2.2. The intent of this policy is to provide guidelines for establishing effective Local School Improvement Councils (hereinafter LSIC) that achieve their legislative purpose (W. Va. Code § 18-5A-1). LSICs are the vehicle to promote the broader school community in efforts that support local initiatives to impact school effectiveness. LSICs shall assist the school and system in ensuring parental, family, business and community involvement is embedded in all aspects of the school and county strategic plan. LSICs help develop and promote the school and system vision for excellence by being a catalyst for innovation.

2.2.a. Parents, as used in this policy, means a parent of a student and includes a natural parent, a guardian, or an individual acting as a parent in the absence or a parent or a guardian.

2.2.b. Family includes family members (e.g. guardians, parents, aunts, brothers, grandparents) and significant others whose involvement may be important to the child.

2.2.c. Community refers to all of the individuals who reside in a common locality including: residents, businesses, social organizations and networks, faith-based organizations, and civic leaders.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-11A-2