INDIANAPOLIS – Today the Indiana House of Representatives approved legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Vernon Smith (D-Gary) to establish the Indiana Family Friendly School designation program.
            The bill requires the Department of Education (DOE) to consult with statewide organizations that study the correlation between family involvement and student achievement, and develop the guidelines for the program. The DOE must also make available to schools best practices for encouraging family engagement.
            “The purpose of this bill is to involve parents in their children’s education,” said Smith. “Warm and inviting schools can make a difference in the quality of performance.
            “Schools could create packets and workshops to show parents what the students are learning,” he added. “They can provide summer packages to encourage families to work together on simple schoolwork over the summer. Even welcoming parents into the building can make a difference in a child’s education. This bill is very important.”
            Senate Bill 422 passed through the House 96-0 and now will advance to the Senate for further review.
# # #