A2. Why is parental consultation in planning the MEP important at the State and local level? As the first teachers of their children, parents know the needs of their children best and can provide insight into their children’s strengths and weaknesses. As such, migrant parents can play a pivotal role in planning the educational programs and projects in which their children participate. Involving migrant parents in planning the MEP also builds their capacity to assist in their children’s learning at home. In addition, parental involvement in the planning of the program enables parents to understand the program and have informed conversations with MEP and school staff regarding their children’s education. Through their participation in the planning process, migrant parents are also more likely to become advocates and supporters of the program because they have a personal stake in its success. Parent Advisory Councils B1. When is an SEA and local operating agency required to establish a parent advisory council (PAC)? Section 1304(c)(3) of the statute requires SEAs and local operating agencies to establish and consult with PACs in planning and operating MEP programs and projects of one school year in duration. B2. What is the function of a PAC? A PAC advises the SEA and its local operating agency on concerns of migrant parents that relate to the planning, operation, and evaluation of MEP programs and projects in which their children participate. In particular, the SEA and local operating agency must consult with the PAC about: (1) the comprehensive assessment of the needs of migratory children to be served; and (2) the design of the comprehensive service delivery plan. B3. Section 1304(c)(3) of Title I requires that PACs must be established only for "programs extending for one school year of duration." What does this mean? The Department interprets this phrase to mean a program or project that provides instructional or support services to migrant children and their families the throughout regular school year (i.e., generally, September through June or as otherwise defined by the State). This requirement applies to both SEAs and local operating agencies.
A2. Why is parental consultation in planning the MEP important at the State and local level? As the first teachers of their children, parents know the needs of their children best and can provide insight into their children’s strengths and weaknesses. As such, migrant parents can play a pivotal role in planning the educational programs and projects in which their children participate. Involving migrant parents in planning the MEP also builds their capacity to assist in their children’s learning at home. In addition, parental involvement in the planning of the program enables parents to understand the program and have informed conversations with MEP and school staff regarding their children’s education. Through their participation in the planning process, migrant parents are also more likely to become advocates and supporters of the program because they have a personal stake in its success. Parent Advisory Councils B1. When is an SEA and local operating agency required to establish a parent advisory council (PAC)? Section 1304(c)(3) of the statute requires SEAs and local operating agencies to establish and consult with PACs in planning and operating MEP programs and projects of one school year in duration. B2. What is the function of a PAC? A PAC advises the SEA and its local operating agency on concerns of migrant parents that relate to the planning, operation, and evaluation of MEP programs and projects in which their children participate. In particular, the SEA and local operating agency must consult with the PAC about: (1) the comprehensive assessment of the needs of migratory children to be served; and (2) the design of the comprehensive service delivery plan. B3. Section 1304(c)(3) of Title I requires that PACs must be established only for "programs extending for one school year of duration." What does this mean? The Department interprets this phrase to mean a program or project that provides instructional or support services to migrant children and their families throughout the regular school year (i.e., generally, September through June or as otherwise defined by the State). This requirement applies to both SEAs and local operating agencies.
mep_non_regulatory_guidance_march_2017__5_.docx