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The mission of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) is that "all students will progress academically and intellectually and will graduate prepared for personal success and inspired to contribute to society." Parents and family members must be involved in this process to promote a healthy system of public education and assist in educating all children to meet high academic expectations and standards.

AISD defines parent and family involvement as the engagement of parents, families, and the community as partners with schools for the purpose of promoting success throughout a child’s educational experience. (See AISD Policy GK Local)

Research has proven that family/school/community partnerships are important. Effectively engaging parents in the education of their children can be a very rewarding aspect of educational reform. When schools, communities and families work together:

• Parents and the community are better able to understand and support what the school is doing.
• The school is better able to understand the needs and concerns of parents and the community.
• Children’s self-esteem improves.
• Children’s grades and test scores improve.
• School programs are adjusted to meet the needs of children and adults more fully.
• Parent-child relationships improve.
• Communities are strengthened through these newly developed partnerships.

The Austin Independent School District promotes a wide range of family involvement activities, including:

• Communicating: Families and school staff members talking about student needs and learning at school.
• Parenting: Creating a home environment that prepares children for learning at school.
• Student Learning: Families and school staff members working together to create environments that support children’s learning at home and at school.
• Volunteering: Creating opportunities for family and community members to volunteer at school, at home, or in the community.
• School Decision Making: Providing opportunities for family involvement and leadership in educational decision-making.
• Collaborating: Building partnerships among families and school staff members and community members that provide resources to strengthen families and school programs.

This guide will help you, to find additional ways to strengthen the home-school-community connection. The difference between good schools and great schools is the broad involvement of their families and communities.