Overview |
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Parents and family members are children’s first and natural teacher. One of the most important things that make students more successful is family involvement in education. Research has shown that when families are engaged in the education, students achieve more, stay in school longer, and have better career choices. However, information for families can sometimes be confusing and difficult to find. Many times, family members feel overwhelmed when trying to help with a child’s education. It can be frustrating.
The Louisiana Department of Education has a list of online publications explaining several important topics. In addition, this section includes other useful information and resources for families to advocate for the student.
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Communication with Schools |
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The Louisiana Department of Education,Schools Online, lists public, non-public, and private schools, as well as the district’s website.
Many schools have a handbook with important information regarding school policy and procedures. Be sure to find and learn about the district Pupil Progression Plan. Districts determine grading scale and promotion based on report cards.
Communication between home and school is important to work for the benefit and success of students. Research shows that children do better in school when parents talk often with teachers and participate in the school activities. The National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) offers several guides for Parent Involvement and Communication and the Louisiana Department of Education offers Advice for Parents. |
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Homework |
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Homework policy is a local decision. Families should check their school district for guidance about homework. Look for the school’s student handbook in the school's office or on the school website.
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) offers the Five Hallmarks for Good Homework. Information regarding the homework policy of a district should be available in a student handbook and/or online.
Homework Louisiana offers FREE online tutoring and academic resources for Louisiana residents. Get help in math, science, social studies or English from a live tutor. The service can be accessed from a Louisiana public library or from your home computer. |
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Family Resource Centers |
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Community Parent Training Center |
Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center is designed to support, assist and provide expertise to parents in areas of New Orleans. The program provides information and training on special education and disability legislation, through workshops, newsletters, referrals, and one-to-one assistance. |
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Families Helping Families (FHF) Centers |
Families Helping Families Centers provide family-driven information and referral centers across Louisiana. The services cover three core areas: information, referral, and peer support. Each regional center is staffed by parents of children with disabilities or adults with a disability. They are committed to helping other families. The center provides help at no cost for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional and/or behavioral issues.
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Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LaPTIC) |
Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center provides information, referral, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, students with disabilities, educators, and other professionals through individual consultations by phone, email, and in person. LaPTIC provide training through workshops, online and self-guided training, and the LaPTIC statewide newsletter. |
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Overview |
There are several resource centers available in the state for families of children/adults with disabilities. Many of these centers serve as a “one stop shop” for social services and resources for families. |
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People First of Louisiana |
People First of Louisiana is a self-advocacy group run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. They learn to speak up for themselves about decisions they make. Members can connect with others in their community, across the nation and around the world to learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America. |
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LaTEACH, Louisiana Together Educating ALL Children |
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LaTEACH, Louisiana Together Educating ALL Children is an initiative of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council (http://www.laddc.org/main/ ). LaTEACH is a grassroots advocacy organization that was created to effect systems change in education regarding inclusive education and best practice. LaTEACH promotes appropriate, inclusive education for all students. LaTEACH works to inform and gain support from parents, educators, the general public, and state leadership regarding research-based and effective practices for each student. LaTEACH members were instrumental in having the Louisiana Alternate Assessment 2 (LAA 2) exit exam for students with disabilities approved as an exit document in attaining a standard high school diploma. LaTEACH routinely sends out timely information about policy change at the State level and strives to keep its members up to date and empowered regarding school issues. LaTEACH has a Statewide Coordinator and Area Coordinators that cover Louisiana and help local members navigate the local, district and State processes that form our Louisiana educational system. For more information on LaTEACH and how to become a member please visit their website. ( www.LaTEACH.org) |
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A Good IDEA for Louisiana! - A Guide for Parents and Students about Special Education Students |
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This manual, A Good IDEA for Louisiana!provides comprehensive information for parents and students on issues related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA) and special education services. The material in this manual was adapted from It’s A New IDEA!, a project of The ARC of Texas and Advocacy, Inc., and from The Parent Manual drafted by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Mississippi Youth Justice Project and Citizens for Quality Education. This adaptation is a collaborative effort between the Families Helping Families of Jefferson and the Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center. |
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Other Resources |
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Common Core Information |
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The Common Core State Standards Initiative is based on research about student career and college readiness. It is an effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
The standards provide a clear progression of what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career. This creates a more uniform set of standards across the states. To date, 44 states and District of Columbia (D.C.) have adopted the Common Core State Standards. No matter where families live, all students will be focused on skills that make them ready for a career or college.
The Louisiana State Department of Education has conducted many Common Core workshops since 2010 and continues to provide updates. See Common Core resources and implementation timeline for Louisiana on the LDOE webpage for Common Core State Standards. The timeline shows Louisiana is transitioning from the current state standards to the Common Core standards over the next two school years. Each district will decide what instructional changes will occur locally in order to fully implement the Common Core standards. To get an idea of the what changes will occur for students in English Language Arts, see ELA Shifts in Common Core and Implications for Students. A similar chart will be added for Math shifts shortly.
The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has produced a series of Parents Guides that explain some key ideas at each grade level (grades k-8, high school English and high school Math--Spanish and English version). Key topics and questions for parent-teacher communication are given for each grade level.
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Technology in Schools & Home |
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