INDIANAPOLIS - The Senate Committee on Education and Career Development approved a bill Wednesday that would allow the Department of Education (DOE) to designate certain schools as "family friendly." House Bill (HB) 1150 would establish the Indiana Family Friendly School Designation Program, a voluntary program recognizing schools that encourage family engagement in a child's education. The bill was approved with bipartisan support in committee by a vote of 7-1.

State Senator Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute) says he supports the measure because parental support is critical to student success.

"In my years of teaching one of the biggest factors in student success that I noticed was parent involvement with schools," said Sen. Skinner. "My school did a lot of community outreach that resulted in more parents being involved. We received a label as a caring school and, as a result, became a model for other schools. I think this is a great opportunity to distinguish schools in their communities for reaching out to families and trying to get them more involved."

Under this bill, schools may voluntarily seek to become a Family Friendly School. The DOE would be responsible for assessing those schools, determining that they have established parental engagement practices that increase parental involvement and foster high student achievement.
                   
The bill will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

For more information on Sen. Skinner, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.SenateDemocrats.IN.gov.

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