School Decision Making and Advocacy

Parents are invited to serve on School Improvement Teams (SIT) and participate in decisions about issues ranging from curriculum, to discipline, and to over-all school reform measures. SITs are composed of parents, staff, and community members. Parent members help design and distribute annual reports of school performance for state accreditation. Schools are accredited based on their progress in (1) reaching student achievement goals for all students, and (2) reducing the gap for underachieving students.

The SIT meetings are a good place for parents to ask questions. Confusing terms are clarified. Issues and concerns are raised. Steps for solving problems are jointly developed and actions are taken.

At SIT meetings, parents work together with school staff to ensure accountability for student learning. The school improvement process begins with a review of school and student data. Team members share responsibility for: (a) keeping the focus on student needs, (b) brainstorming potential solutions, (c) developing actions and reform strategies, and (d) implementing and checking on school progress. The SIT monitors the steps taken to reach school goals and gathers input for future improvement goals.

Representatives from each SIT meet monthly with the District Accountability Committee to oversee the accreditation and accountability process.

For more information about parent involvement in the BVSD education process, use the following link... Parent Involvement at BVSD.