[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2841-S2847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Whitehouse):
  S. 941. A bill to strengthen families engagement in the education of 
their children; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.

[[Page S2842]]

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I introduce the Family Engagement in 
Education Act with my colleagues Senator Coons and Senator Whitehouse. 
I thank Representative Platts for introducing the House companion of 
this bipartisan bill.
  Our legislation will strengthen family engagement in education at the 
local, State, and national levels. It will empower parents by 
increasing school district resources dedicated to family engagement 
activities from 1 percent to 2 percent of the district Title I 
allocation. It will also improve quality of family engagement practices 
at the school level by requiring school districts to develop and 
implement standards-based policies and practices for family-school 
partnerships. It will build State and local capacity for effective 
family engagement in education by setting aside 1 percent of the State 
Title I allocation for local family engagement in education centers to 
provide innovative programming and services, such as leadership 
training and family literacy, to local families and to remove barriers 
to family engagement, and for supporting state-level activities. 
Finally, our bill will restructure the Parent Information Resource 
Centers so that they can provide statewide technical assistance in line 
with the quality framework developed by the U.S. Department of 
Education, Harvard Family Research Project, and Southwest Educational 
Development Laboratory. At the national level, our legislation will 
require the Secretary of Education to convene practitioners, 
researchers, and other experts in the field of family engagement in 
education to develop recommended metrics for measuring the quality and 
outcomes of family engagement in a child's education.
  Research demonstrates that family engagement in a child's education 
increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces dropout 
rates. A recent study by Anne Seitsinger and Steven Brand at the 
University of Rhode Island's Center for School Improvement and 
Educational Policy found that students whose parents support their 
education through learning activities at home and discuss the 
importance of education perform better in school. Yet too often, family 
engagement is not built into our school improvement efforts in a 
systematic way. The Family Engagement in Education Act will promote 
meaningful family engagement policies and programs at the national, 
State, and local levels to ensure that all students are on track to be 
career and college-ready.
  The bill builds on my successful efforts in the last reauthorization 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the 2001 No Child Left 
Behind Act, to incorporate provisions throughout the law to strengthen 
and boost parental involvement. It is also in line with the 
Administration's blueprint for reauthorization, which calls for 
doubling the amount that school districts are required to set aside for 
parental involvement and encouraging States to use some of their Title 
I funding to support local family engagement centers in education.
  Developed with the National Family, School, and Community Engagement 
Working Group, which includes organizations such as National PTA, 
United Way Worldwide, Harvard Family Research Project, and National 
Council of La Raza, and endorsed by hundreds of local, State, and 
national organizations, this legislation represents the broad consensus 
that we must do a better job of engaging families in all aspects of 
their children's education.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Family Engagement in Education 
Act, and to work for its inclusion in the forthcoming debate to 
reauthorize and renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 941

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Family Engagement in 
     Education Act of 2011''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Findings; purpose.
Sec. 4. Amendment references.
Sec. 5. Family engagement in education.
Sec. 6. State plans.
Sec. 7. Local educational agency plans.
Sec. 8. Family engagement in education policy.
Sec. 9. Prevention and intervention programs for children and youth who 
              are neglected, delinquent, or at risk.
Sec. 10. High-quality teachers and principals.
Sec. 11. Family engagement in education programs.
Sec. 12. Definitions.
Sec. 13. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 14. Government Accountability Office study and report.
Sec. 15. Federal coordination of family engagement in education 
              programming.

     SEC. 3. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Family engagement in a child's education raises student 
     achievement, improves behavior and attendance, decreases 
     drop-out rates, and improves the emotional and physical well-
     being of children.
       (2) Families are critical determinants of children's school 
     readiness as well as of students' decision to pursue higher 
     education.
       (3) Effective family engagement is a great equalizer for 
     students, contributing to their increased academic 
     achievement, regardless of parents' education level, 
     ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
       (4) Family engagement can raise student academic 
     achievement so substantially that schools would need to 
     increase spending by more than $1,000 per pupil to gain the 
     same results.
       (5) Positive benefits for children, youth, families, and 
     schools are maximized through effective family engagement 
     that--
       (A) is a shared responsibility in which schools and other 
     community agencies and organizations are committed to 
     reaching out to engage families in meaningful ways and 
     families are committed to actively supporting their 
     children's learning and development;
       (B) is continuous across a child's life from birth to young 
     adulthood; and
       (C) reinforces learning that takes place in all settings.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to strengthen 
     families' engagement in the education of their children.

     SEC. 4. AMENDMENT REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).

     SEC. 5. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION.

       (a) Family Engagement and Responsibility Fund.--Title I (20 
     U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 1004 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 1005. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY FUND.

       ``(a) In General.--Each State educational agency may 
     reserve not more than 1 percent of such agency's allocated 
     funds under section 1122 for each fiscal year for use as 
     provided in subsection (b).
       ``(b) Use of Reserved Funds.--From the amounts reserved for 
     each fiscal year under subsection (a), each State educational 
     agency shall--
       ``(1) reserve not less than 85 percent for Local Family 
     Engagement Centers under section 1006; and
       ``(2) reserve not more than 15 percent for State 
     educational agency capacity for family engagement activities 
     under section 1007.''.
       (b) Local Family Engagement Centers Program.--Title I (20 
     U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 1005, 
     as added by subsection (a), the following:

     ``SEC. 1006. LOCAL FAMILY ENGAGEMENT CENTERS PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish 
     and operate Local Family Engagement Centers and to evaluate 
     the usefulness and effectiveness of innovative approaches 
     demonstrated by these centers in engaging families in their 
     children's education by providing training, services, 
     supports, and opportunities that meet families' needs and 
     remove barriers to their engagement in their children's 
     education to improve student achievement.
       ``(b) Grants Authorized.--From the funds reserved to carry 
     out this section under section 1005(b)(1), a State 
     educational agency shall award grants or enter into contracts 
     and cooperative agreements with eligible entities to 
     establish and operate Local Family Engagement Centers.
       ``(c) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible 
     entity' means a private, nonprofit organization that--
       ``(1) has a demonstrated record of working with low-income 
     parents and families in the community;
       ``(2) is located in a community with elementary schools and 
     secondary schools that receive funds under part A and is 
     accessible to families of students in those schools; and
       ``(3) is partnering with 1 or more local educational 
     agencies or 1 or more schools that receive funds under part 
     A.
       ``(d) Application for Grants.--To receive a grant under 
     this section, an eligible entity

[[Page S2843]]

     shall submit an application to the State educational agency 
     at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such 
     information as the State educational agency may require, 
     including--
       ``(1) a description of the entity's approach on family 
     engagement in education, including its use of strength-based 
     strategies;
       ``(2) information demonstrating that the applicant meets 
     the definition of an eligible entity;
       ``(3) information that the applicant has the capacity to 
     operate a center capable of conducting the training, 
     services, and support activities to fulfill the purposes of a 
     Local Family Engagement Center;
       ``(4) information that the applicant will structure and 
     operate a center of sufficient scope and quality adequate to 
     serve the needs of the local area in which it is located;
       ``(5) a description of the entity's experience in providing 
     training, services, and support to low-income parents and 
     families, English language learners, minorities, parents of 
     students with disabilities, parents of homeless students, 
     foster parents, and parents of migrant students;
       ``(6) a description of the collaboration with the local 
     educational agency or school personnel in the geographic area 
     to be served by the center;
       ``(7) a description of the steering committee, a majority 
     of whose members are parents of students in schools that 
     receive funds under part A, that will direct and implement 
     the activities of the Local Family Engagement Center;
       ``(8) a description of how the entity will coordinate its 
     efforts with the Statewide Family Engagement Centers under 
     subpart 16 of part D of title V in the State;
       ``(9) information that the applicant is capable of meeting 
     milestones or deadlines as the State educational agency may 
     prescribe; and
       ``(10) such other information as the State educational 
     agency determines necessary.
       ``(e) Uses of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a 
     grant under this section shall establish and operate a Local 
     Family Engagement Center and use the grant funds to provide 
     training, services, and supports to engage families in their 
     children's education and to build the school-family 
     partnerships necessary to ensure that all children are on 
     track to graduate from high school ready for college and 
     careers, such as through--
       ``(1) assisting parents and families in understanding how 
     they can improve student achievement, including how to access 
     ongoing student performance data and related information to 
     support learning in the classroom with activities at home, 
     and in afterschool and extracurricular activities;
       ``(2) training parents and families on effective ongoing 
     communication with their children, teachers, principals, 
     counselors, administrators, and other school personnel;
       ``(3) providing direct services to families, such as home 
     visitation, family literacy programs, and health and 
     behavioral health services to meet the needs of families and 
     remove barriers for engaging in the education of their 
     children;
       ``(4) providing advocacy services to ensure that families 
     can fully participate in their children's education;
       ``(5) providing supports such as transportation, childcare, 
     and meals to facilitate families' engagement in programs 
     implemented or assisted by the Center;
       ``(6) assisting parents and families in understanding how 
     they can prepare their children academically, socially, and 
     financially for postsecondary education, including early 
     awareness of the availability of student financial 
     assistance; and
       ``(7) improving the coordination, availability, and 
     effectiveness of integrated services and comprehensive 
     supports for children and families.
       ``(f) Evaluation and Annual Report.--A State educational 
     agency shall--
       ``(1) evaluate the effectiveness of the grants funded under 
     this section; and
       ``(2) issue an annual report on the implementation of such 
     grants, describing any practices the State determines to be 
     most effective or innovative for fulfilling the purposes of 
     the Local Family Engagement Centers.''.
       (c) State Family Engagement Coordinating Councils.--Title I 
     (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 
     1006, as added by subsection (b), the following:

     ``SEC. 1007. STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY CAPACITY FOR FAMILY 
                   ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

       ``(a) In General.--Each State educational agency shall 
     administer and expend funds reserved under section 1005(b)(2) 
     to--
       ``(1) provide for the establishment of a statewide family 
     engagement coordinating council; and
       ``(2) support the development and implementation of a 
     statewide family engagement in education plan.
       ``(b) State Family Engagement Coordinating Councils.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each State educational agency that 
     receives funds under part A shall establish a State Family 
     Engagement Coordinating Council (referred to in this section 
     as a `Council') to ensure coordination and integration of 
     family engagement in education activities across the 
     education spectrum.
       ``(2) Reporting responsibility.--Each Council shall report 
     to the Governor and the Chief State School Officer of the 
     State on the Council's findings and recommendations regarding 
     family engagement in education and such other information as 
     the Governor may request.
       ``(3) Appointment of members.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Governor of the State, in 
     consultation with the State educational agency, shall 
     determine the number of members to serve on the Council and 
     their term of office, and shall appoint such members, 
     initially, for a full term or for a period of less than a 
     full term, as the Governor determines appropriate. Such 
     members shall include representatives of--
       ``(i) State educational agency programs, Statewide Family 
     Engagement Centers under subpart 16 of part D of title V, and 
     Local Family Engagement Centers under section 1006 operating 
     in the State;
       ``(ii) parent training and information centers and 
     community parent resource centers assisted under sections 671 
     and 672 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 
     operating in the State;
       ``(iii) the State parent teacher association and other 
     parent groups;
       ``(iv) family members, students, teachers, and school 
     administrators;
       ``(v) the State's advisory council on early childhood 
     education and care;
       ``(vi) colleges and universities; and
       ``(vii) nonprofit organizations and State governmental 
     agencies serving children and families.
       ``(B) Restriction on government employees.--Not more than 
     50 percent of the Council members shall be employees of a 
     State or local unit of government.
       ``(4) Duties of the council.--Duties of the Council shall 
     include any duties the Governor may specify and the following 
     duties:
       ``(A) Establish a statewide vision of family engagement in 
     education that is consistent with, and leverages, Federal 
     family engagement in education resources and initiatives.
       ``(B) Encourage consistency in family engagement in 
     education policies and practices across learning settings 
     along the child and youth life span.
       ``(C) Coordinate Federal, State, and local family 
     engagement in education programs and activities.
       ``(D) Coordinate family engagement in education programs 
     and activities across early childhood, school-age, vocational 
     and technical, and higher education programs.
       ``(E) Identify opportunities for family engagement in 
     education collaboration and resource sharing among State 
     educational agencies, local educational agencies, and 
     organizations that support family-school partnerships.
       ``(F) Review the family engagement in education component 
     of the State plan prepared under section 1111(d) and submit 
     to the State educational agency and to the Governor any 
     recommendations of the Council for modifications to the plan.
       ``(G) Visit local educational agencies, schools, and other 
     learning settings to support the implementation and 
     monitoring of family engagement in education policies, 
     practices, and uses of funds.
       ``(c) Uses of Funds.--Each State may use funds reserved 
     under section 1005(b)(2) to support the development and 
     implementation of the statewide family engagement in 
     education plan described in section 1111(d) through 
     activities such as--
       ``(1) supporting an office or staff positions within the 
     agency dedicated to family engagement;
       ``(2) carrying out the State's responsibilities under the 
     Local Family Engagement Centers Program under section 1006;
       ``(3) developing and implementing a statewide data 
     collection and evaluation system on family engagement metrics 
     to identify schools that would benefit from training and 
     support related to family engagement in education;
       ``(4) reviewing local educational agencies' family 
     engagement policies and practices as provided by sections 
     1112(b)(1)(P) and 1118(i), and evaluating the use of funds 
     under this subsection;
       ``(5) coordinating technical assistance and support to 
     local educational agencies with schools that would benefit 
     from training and support related to family engagement in 
     education with the Statewide Family Engagement Centers;
       ``(6) developing curricula for professional development for 
     teachers, principals, school librarians, and other school 
     leaders on improving family engagement in education;
       ``(7) developing standards and curricula for family 
     engagement in education for teacher and principal preparation 
     programs; and
       ``(8) coordinating statewide services related to early 
     education, higher education, child health and welfare, after-
     school programs, community service-learning programs, and 
     other programs to develop coordinated family engagement in 
     education policies, practices, and services.''.
       (d) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1004 
     the following:

``Sec. 1005. Family engagement and responsibility fund.
``Sec. 1006. Local Family Engagement Centers Program.
``Sec. 1007. State educational agency capacity for family engagement 
              activities.''.

     SEC. 6. STATE PLANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1111(d) (20 U.S.C. 6311(d)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) Family Engagement.--Each State plan shall include a 
     plan for strengthening family engagement in education. Each 
     such plan shall, at a minimum, include--

[[Page S2844]]

       ``(1) a description of the State's criteria and schedule 
     for review and approval of local educational agency 
     engagement policies and practices pursuant to sections 
     1112(e)(3) and 1118(i);
       ``(2) a description of the State's system and process for 
     assessing local educational agency implementation of section 
     1118 responsibilities;
       ``(3) a description of the State's criteria for identifying 
     local educational agencies that would benefit from training 
     and support related to family engagement in education;
       ``(4) a description of the State's statewide system of 
     technical assistance and support for local educational 
     agencies and schools on family engagement in education;
       ``(5) an assurance that the State will refer to Statewide 
     Family Engagement Centers those local educational agencies 
     that would benefit from training and support related to 
     family engagement in education;
       ``(6) a plan for using funds received under section 1005;
       ``(7) a description of the relationship between the State 
     educational agency and Statewide and Local Family Engagement 
     Centers, parent training and information centers, and 
     community parent resource centers in the State established 
     under sections 671 and 672 of the Individuals with 
     Disabilities Education Act; and
       ``(8) a plan for establishing a State Family Engagement 
     Coordinating Council or, if a similar entity exists, a 
     description of the composition and activities of such similar 
     entity.''.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) Annual state report.--Section 1111(h)(4) (20 U.S.C. 
     6311(h)(4)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(H) the number of schools and the name of each school 
     that would benefit from training and support related to 
     family engagement in education, the reason why such school 
     was so identified, and the measures taken to address the need 
     for training and support; and
       ``(I) information on the State educational agency's family 
     engagement in education programs and activities.''.
       (2) Technical assistance.--Section 1111(j) (20 U.S.C. 
     6311(j)) is amended by inserting ``the development and 
     implementation of policies and procedures for family 
     engagement in education,'' after ``reliable,''.

     SEC. 7. LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY PLANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1112(b)(1)(P) (20 U.S.C. 
     6312(b)(1)(P)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(P) a description of the strategy the local educational 
     agency will use to implement and assess family engagement in 
     education under section 1118;''.
       (b) Engagement in Developing Plans.--Section 1112(b)(1) (20 
     U.S.C. 6312(b)(1)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraph (Q) as subparagraph (S);
       (2) in subparagraph (P), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon; and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (P) the following:
       ``(Q) a description of how the local educational agency 
     will engage families in the development, implementation, and 
     assessment of local educational agency plans;
       ``(R) a description of how the local education agency will 
     improve teacher and principal knowledge and skills in 
     effectively engaging parents in their children's education; 
     and''.

     SEC. 8. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION POLICY.

       (a) Local Educational Agency Development of Policies and 
     Practices.--Section 1118 (20 U.S.C. 6318) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (h) as 
     subsections (b) through (i), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1), the following:
       ``(a) In General.--Each local educational agency and each 
     school receiving funds under this part shall develop policies 
     and practices for family engagement in education that meet 
     the following principles and standards for family-school 
     partnerships:
       ``(1) Welcome all families to be active participants in the 
     life of the school, so that they feel valued, connected to 
     each other and to school staff and to what students are 
     learning in class.
       ``(2) Communicate effectively by ensuring regular two-way, 
     meaningful communication between family members and local 
     educational agency and school staff in a manner, language, 
     and with technology that family members can understand and 
     access.
       ``(3) Support student success by fostering continuous 
     collaboration between family members and local educational 
     agency and school staff to support student learning and 
     healthy development at school and at home.
       ``(4) Speak up for every child and empower family members 
     to be advocates for all students within the school.
       ``(5) Ensure that family members, local educational 
     agencies, and school staff are equal partners in family 
     engagement in education decisionmaking.
       ``(6) Collaborate with community organizations and groups 
     to turn the school into a hub of community life.
       ``(7) Create a continuum of family engagement in education 
     in student learning and development from birth to young 
     adulthood.
       ``(8) Train and support superintendents, principals, and 
     teachers to fully engage families in the education of their 
     children.''.
       (b) Written Policy.--Section 1118(b)(2), as redesignated by 
     subsection (a), is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``(e)'' and inserting 
     ``(f)'';
       (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (3) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) participate in evaluations of the effectiveness of 
     family engagement in education strategies and policies; and
       ``(H) participate in developing recommendations for 
     creating a positive school climate and safe and healthy 
     schools.''.
       (c) Reservation.--Section 1118(b)(3)(A), as redesignated by 
     subsection (a), is amended to read as follows:
       ``(A) In general.--Each local educational agency shall 
     reserve not less than 2 percent of its allocation under 
     subpart 2 to carry out this section.''.
       (d) Reserved Funds.--Section 1118(b)(3), as redesignated by 
     subsection (a), is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Use of funds.--Funds reserved under subparagraph (A) 
     may be used for purposes including the following:
       ``(i) Increasing capacity through establishment of a 
     dedicated office or dedicated personnel within the local 
     educational agency or at the school level for family 
     engagement in education.
       ``(ii) Supporting schools and nonprofit organizations in 
     providing professional development on family engagement in 
     education for school staff, parent leadership training, 
     family literacy and numeracy programs, home visitation 
     programs, family volunteerism programs, and other innovative 
     programs that meaningfully engage families.
       ``(iii) Developing and implementing local educational 
     agency family engagement in education data-collection systems 
     and indicators.
       ``(iv) Assessing and providing recommendations on school 
     family engagement in education policies, practices, and use 
     of funds.
       ``(v) Providing technical assistance and training to 
     schools on the implementation and assessment of family 
     engagement in education policies and practices.
       ``(vi) Providing additional support to schools that have 
     been identified for improvement under section 1116(b) to 
     assist in their implementation of family engagement in 
     education, including the hiring and maintenance of family 
     engagement coordinators.
       ``(vii) Partnering with Local Family Engagement Centers or 
     community-based organizations to identify community 
     resources, services, and supports to remove economic 
     obstacles to family engagement in education by meeting 
     families' needs.
       ``(viii) Supporting schools and eligible entities in the 
     development of early childhood programs that promote family 
     engagement in education and school readiness.
       ``(ix) Establishing and supporting an advisory group 
     comprised of families, educators, and nonprofit organizations 
     to develop recommendations to strengthen family engagement in 
     education from birth to young adulthood.
       ``(x) Assisting schools in the development, implementation, 
     and assessment of family engagement in education plans.
       ``(xi) Monitoring and evaluating the family engagement in 
     education policies and practices funded under this section.
       ``(xii) Partnering with Local Family Engagement Centers or 
     Statewide Family Engagement Centers to assist the local 
     educational agency and participating schools in the 
     implementation of this section.
       ``(xiii) Supporting other activities approved in the local 
     education agency's plan for improving family engagement.''.
       (e) School Parental Involvement Policy.--Section 
     1118(c)(1), as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended in 
     the first sentence by striking ``(c) through (f)'' and 
     inserting ``(d) through (g)''.
       (f) Shared Responsibility for High Student Academic 
     Achievement.--Section 1118(e), as redesignated by subsection 
     (a), is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) describe the school's responsibility to--
       ``(A) provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a 
     supportive and effective learning environment that enables 
     the children served under this part to meet the State's 
     student academic achievement standards, and the ways in which 
     each parent will support their children's learning, such as--
       ``(i) monitoring attendance and homework completion;
       ``(ii) volunteering in their child's classroom or school; 
     and
       ``(iii) participating, as appropriate, in decisions 
     relating to the education of their children and positive use 
     of extracurricular time; and
       ``(B) engage family members in the development of 
     recommendations for student attendance, expectations, 
     behavior, and school

[[Page S2845]]

     safety, including the development of reasonable disciplinary 
     policies and behavioral interventions, such as the 
     implementation of school-wide positive behavior interventions 
     and supports and the phase-out of out-of-school suspension 
     and expulsion; and''.

     SEC. 9. PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND 
                   YOUTH WHO ARE NEGLECTED, DELINQUENT, OR AT 
                   RISK.

       (a) State Plan and State Agency Applications.--Section 1414 
     (20 U.S.C. 6434) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) that contains an assurance that each child or youth 
     serviced by the program will have a transition plan developed 
     in partnership with families and aftercare providers that 
     will place the child or youth on a path to career and college 
     readiness; and''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (15) through (19) as 
     paragraphs (17) through (21), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (14) the following:
       ``(15) describes how the State agency will implement family 
     engagement in education policies and practices that align 
     with section 1118;
       ``(16) includes an assurance that the State agency will 
     establish, for each child or youth served under this subpart, 
     an educational services and transition plan that is developed 
     in consultation with the child or youth, family members of 
     the child or youth, and the local educational agency or 
     alternative education program that will receive the child or 
     youth following their period of service under this 
     subpart;''.
       (b) Local Educational Agency Applications.--Section 1423 
     (20 U.S.C. 6453) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (11) through (15), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
       ``(9) a description of how schools will implement family 
     engagement in education policies and practices that align 
     with the provisions of section 1118;
       ``(10) an assurance that the local educational agency will 
     establish for each child or youth served under this subpart 
     an educational services plan that is developed in 
     consultation with the child or youth, family members of the 
     child or youth, and the local educational agency or 
     alternative education program receiving the child or youth 
     following their period of service under this subpart;''.
       (c) Program Requirements for Correctional Facilities 
     Receiving Funds Under This Section.--Section 1425 (20 U.S.C. 
     6455) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (10), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (11) and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(12) prepare an educational services and transition plan 
     for each child or youth served by the program, in partnership 
     with families and aftercare providers, consistent with 
     section 1414(a)(1)(C); and
       ``(13) establish for each child or youth residing in the 
     facility and serviced by this subpart an educational services 
     and transition plan that is developed in consultation with 
     the child or youth, family members of the child or youth, and 
     the local educational agency or alternative education program 
     receiving the child or youth following their period of 
     service under this subpart.''.

     SEC. 10. HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS.

       (a) State Application Contents.--Section 2112(b) (20 U.S.C. 
     6612(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) A description of how the State educational agency 
     will improve teacher and principal knowledge and skill in 
     effectively engaging families in their children's 
     education.''.
       (b) State Activities.--Section 2113(c) (20 U.S.C. 6613(c)) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (18) as 
     paragraphs (13) through (19), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (11) the following:
       ``(12) Training of teachers and principals on how to 
     effectively engage families in their children's education.''.

     SEC. 11. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Heading.--The heading for subpart 16 of part D of title 
     V is amended to read as follows:

        ``Subpart 16--Family Engagement in Education Programs''.

       (b) Family Engagement.--Section 5561 (20 U.S.C. 7273) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5561. PURPOSES.

       ``The purposes of this subpart are the following:
       ``(1) To provide financial support to nonprofit 
     organizations to build the capacity of and provide technical 
     assistance and training to States and local educational 
     agencies in the implementation and enhancement of successful 
     systemic and effective family engagement policies, programs, 
     and activities that lead to improvements in student 
     development and academic achievement.
       ``(2) To assist State educational agencies, local 
     educational agencies, and community-based organizations in 
     strengthening partnerships among parents (including parents 
     of children under the age of 6), teachers, principals, 
     administrators, and other school personnel in meeting the 
     educational needs of children.
       ``(3) To support State educational agencies and local 
     educational agencies in developing and strengthening the 
     relationship between parents and their children's school in 
     order to further the developmental progress of children.
       ``(4) To coordinate activities funded under this subpart 
     with engagement in education initiatives funded under section 
     1118 and other provisions of this Act.
       ``(5) To assist the Secretary, State educational agencies, 
     and local educational agencies in the coordination and 
     integration of Federal, State, and local services and 
     programs to engage families in education.''.
       (c) Grants Authorized.--Section 5562 (20 U.S.C. 7273a) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5562. GRANTS AUTHORIZED.

       ``(a) Statewide Family Engagement Centers.--The Secretary 
     is authorized to award grants for each fiscal year to 
     statewide nonprofit organizations (and consortia of such 
     organizations and State educational agencies), to establish 
     Statewide Family Engagement Centers that provide 
     comprehensive training, technical assistance, and capacity 
     building to State educational agencies, local educational 
     agencies, schools identified by State educational agencies 
     and local educational agencies, organizations that support 
     family-school partnerships (such as parent-teacher 
     associations and Parents as Teachers organizations), and 
     other organizations that carry out parent education and 
     family engagement in education programs.
       ``(b) Geographic Distribution.--In awarding grants under 
     this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, 
     ensure that a grant is--
       ``(1) awarded for a Statewide Family Engagement Center in 
     each State and outlying area; and
       ``(2) in an amount of not less than $500,000.''.
       (d) Applications.--Section 5563 (20 U.S.C. 7273b) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5563. APPLICATIONS.

       ``(a) Submissions.--Each statewide nonprofit organization, 
     or a consortium of such an organization and a State 
     educational agency, that desires a grant under section 5562 
     shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in 
     such manner, and accompanied by such information as the 
     Secretary may require.
       ``(b) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph 
     (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
       ``(1) A description of the applicant's approach to family 
     engagement in education, including the use of strength-based 
     strategies.
       ``(2) A description of the applicant's plan for building a 
     statewide infrastructure for family engagement in education, 
     that includes--
       ``(A) management capacity and governance;
       ``(B) statewide leadership;
       ``(C) systemic services for family engagement in education;
       ``(D) capacity building for State educational agencies, 
     local educational agencies, and schools;
       ``(E) alignment with title I; and
       ``(F) learning and improvement.
       ``(3) A description of the applicant's experience in 
     providing training, information, and support to State 
     educational agencies, local educational agencies, schools, 
     and nonprofit organizations on family engagement in education 
     polices and practices that are effective for low-income 
     parents and families, English language learners, minorities, 
     parents of students with disabilities, parents of homeless 
     students, foster parents and students, and parents of migrant 
     students.
       ``(4) An assurance that the applicant will--
       ``(A) be--
       ``(i) governed by a board of directors, the membership of 
     which includes parents of school-aged children; or
       ``(ii) an organization or consortium that represents the 
     interests of parents;
       ``(B) establish a special advisory committee, the 
     membership of which includes--
       ``(i) parents of children from birth through young 
     adulthood, who shall constitute a majority of the members of 
     the special advisory committee;
       ``(ii) representatives of the State parent teacher 
     association;
       ``(iii) representatives of education professionals with 
     expertise in improving services for disadvantaged children;
       ``(iv) representatives of local elementary schools and 
     secondary schools, including students, disadvantaged youth, 
     and representatives from local youth organizations; and
       ``(v) representatives of State educational agencies and 
     local educational agencies;
       ``(C) use not less than 65 percent of the funds received 
     under this subpart in each fiscal year to serve local 
     educational agencies, schools, and community-based 
     organizations that serve high concentrations of low-income 
     families and disadvantaged children and youth, including 
     English language learners, minorities, parents of students 
     with disabilities, parents of homeless students, foster 
     parents and students, and parents of migrant students;

[[Page S2846]]

       ``(D) operate a center of sufficient size, scope, and 
     quality to ensure that the center is adequate to serve the 
     State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and 
     community-based organizations;
       ``(E) serve urban, suburban, and rural local educational 
     agencies and schools;
       ``(F) work with--
       ``(i) State educational agencies and local educational 
     agencies and schools;
       ``(ii) other Statewide Family Engagement Centers assisted 
     under this subpart;
       ``(iii) Local Family Engagement Centers assisted under 
     section 1006;
       ``(iv) parent training and information centers and 
     community parent resource centers assisted under sections 671 
     and 672 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
       ``(v) clearinghouses; and
       ``(vi) other organizations and agencies;
       ``(G) use not less than 30 percent of the funds received 
     under this section in each fiscal year to establish or expand 
     technical assistance for evidence-based early childhood 
     parent education programs;
       ``(H) provide assistance to State educational agencies and 
     local educational agencies and community-based organizations 
     that support family members in areas such as assistance in 
     understanding State and local standards and measures of 
     student and school academic achievement and strategies for 
     supporting school academic achievement; and
       ``(I) work with State educational agencies, local 
     educational agencies, and schools to determine parental needs 
     and the best means for delivery of services to address such 
     needs.''.
       (e) Uses of Funds.--Section 5564 (20 U.S.C. 7273c) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5564. USES OF FUNDS.

       ``Grantees shall use grant funds received under section 
     5562 to provide training, technical assistance, and capacity 
     building to State educational agencies, local educational 
     agencies, and organizations that support family-school 
     partnerships, to enable those agencies and organizations--
       ``(1) to assist parents in participating effectively in 
     their children's education and to help their children meet 
     State and local standards, such as assisting parents--
       ``(A) to engage in activities that will improve student 
     academic achievement, including understanding how they can 
     support learning in the classroom with activities at home and 
     in afterschool and extracurricular programs;
       ``(B) to communicate effectively with their children, 
     teachers, principals, counselors, administrators, and other 
     school personnel;
       ``(C) to become active participants in the development, 
     implementation, and review of school-parent compacts, family 
     engagement in education policies, and school planning and 
     improvement;
       ``(D) to participate in the design and provision of 
     assistance to students who are not making adequate academic 
     progress;
       ``(E) to participate in State and local decisionmaking;
       ``(F) to train other parents; and
       ``(G) to help the parents learn and use technology applied 
     in their children's education;
       ``(2) to develop and implement, in partnership with the 
     State educational agency, a statewide family engagement in 
     education policy and systemic initiatives that will provide 
     for a continuum of services to remove barriers for family 
     engagement in education and support school reform efforts; 
     and
       ``(3) to develop, implement, and assess family engagement 
     in education policies and plans under sections 1112 and 
     1118.''.
       (f) Administrative Provisions.--Section 5565 (20 U.S.C. 
     7273d) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5565. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

       ``(a) Matching Funds for Grant Renewal.--For each fiscal 
     year after the first fiscal year for which an organization or 
     consortium receives assistance under this subpart, the 
     organization or consortium shall demonstrate in the 
     application that a portion of the services provided by the 
     organization or consortium is supported through non-Federal 
     contributions, which may be in cash or in-kind.
       ``(b) Submission of Information.--Each organization or 
     consortium receiving assistance under this subpart shall 
     submit to the Secretary, on an annual basis, information on 
     the activities it has carried out using grant funds received 
     under section 5562, including reporting on metrics developed 
     under section 5567.
       ``(c) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall reserve 
     not more than 5 percent of the funds appropriated to carry 
     out this subpart to provide technical assistance, by grant or 
     contract, for the establishment, development, and 
     coordination of Statewide Family Engagement Centers, 
     including their establishment of statewide infrastructures 
     for family engagement in education.
       ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this subpart shall 
     be construed to prohibit a Statewide Family Engagement Center 
     from--
       ``(1) having its employees or agents meet with a parent at 
     a site that is not on school grounds; or
       ``(2) working with another agency that serves children.
       ``(e) Parental Rights.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
     of this subpart--
       ``(1) no person (including a parent who educates a child at 
     home, a public school parent, or a private school parent) 
     shall be required to participate in any program of parent 
     education or developmental screening under this subpart; and
       ``(2) no program or center assisted under this subpart 
     shall take any action that infringes in any manner on the 
     right of a parent to direct the education of their 
     children.''.
       (g) Family Engagement in Indian Schools.--Section 5566 (20 
     U.S.C. 7273e) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5566. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN INDIAN SCHOOL.

       ``The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Education, shall establish, or enter into 
     contracts and cooperative agreements with local Indian 
     nonprofit parent organizations to establish and operate, 
     Local Family Engagement Centers and shall establish a 
     national Indian Family Engagement Coordinating Council 
     modeled on the State Family Engagement Coordinating Council 
     as described in section 1007.''.
       (h) Research and Evaluation for Effective Family Engagement 
     in Education.--Subpart 16 of part D of title V (20 U.S.C. 
     7273 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 5567. RESEARCH AND EVALUATION FOR FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN 
                   EDUCATION.

       ``(a) Development of Metrics for Family Engagement.--Not 
     later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Family 
     Engagement in Education Act of 2011, the Director of the 
     Institute of Education Sciences, after consultation with the 
     advisory committee established under subsection (b), shall 
     develop recommended metrics on family engagement in education 
     for State educational agencies and local educational agencies 
     that receive funds under section 1118 and provide 
     recommendations on the integration of metrics into State 
     accountability and longitudinal data systems.
       ``(b) Advisory Committee.--The Secretary shall appoint an 
     advisory committee, including researchers and representatives 
     from national nonprofit organizations with expertise in 
     family engagement in education, to make data-driven 
     recommendations regarding metrics required under subsection 
     (a).
       ``(c) Research for Effective Family Engagement in 
     Education.--The Secretary shall reserve not more than 5 
     percent of funds appropriated to carry out this subpart to 
     conduct research on effective family engagement in education, 
     including through awarding grants and entering into contracts 
     with eligible entities. Such research may include--
       ``(1) exploratory research to discover the underlying 
     processes or components of family engagement programs that 
     are associated with improved education outcomes for students;
       ``(2) research to--
       ``(A) develop culturally sensitive strategies or programs 
     for improving family engagement in education; and
       ``(B) rigorously evaluate the impact of such strategies or 
     programs on students' education outcomes; and
       ``(3) research to--
       ``(A) develop professional development programs intended to 
     enable school personnel to support parental involvement in 
     education; and
       ``(B) rigorously evaluate the impact of such programs on 
     students' education outcomes.''.

     SEC. 12. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 9101 (20 U.S.C. 7801) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (32);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (31) as 
     paragraphs (21) through (32), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
       ``(20) Family engagement in education.--The term `family 
     engagement in education' means a shared responsibility--
       ``(A) of families and schools for student success, in which 
     schools and community-based organizations are committed to 
     reaching out to engage families in meaningful ways and 
     families are committed to actively supporting their 
     children's learning and development; and
       ``(B) that is continuous from birth through young adulthood 
     and reinforces learning that takes place in the home, school, 
     and community.''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(44) Tribally controlled schools.--The term `tribally 
     controlled schools' means schools administered by Indian 
     tribes or their delegates pursuant to the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et 
     seq.).''.

     SEC. 13. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       The Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by striking--
       (1) ``parental involvement'' and ``parent involvement'' 
     each place the terms appear and inserting ``family 
     engagement'';
       (2) ``involvement of parents'' each place the term appears 
     and inserting ``engagement of families'';
       (3) ``parental information and resource center'' each place 
     the term appears and inserting ``Statewide Family Engagement 
     Center'';
       (4) ``parental information and resource centers'' each 
     place the term appears and inserting ``Statewide Family 
     Engagement Centers''; and
       (5) ``involve parents'' each place the term appears and 
     inserting ``engage families''.

[[Page S2847]]

     SEC. 14. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY AND REPORT.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study, and make findings and 
     recommendations relating to compliance with, and use of funds 
     made available for, section 1118 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6318), including 
     matters specified in paragraph (2).
       (2) Inclusions.--The study shall include a review and 
     analysis of--
       (A) the use of funds reserved by local educational agencies 
     for family engagement under such section 1118;
       (B) the innovative, effective, replicable, or model family 
     engagement in education policies, practices, and uses of 
     funds of State educational agencies and local educational 
     agencies determined by the Secretary of Education to be in 
     alignment with section 1118;
       (C) any barriers to State educational agencies and local 
     educational agencies in implementing section 1118;
       (D) any barriers to Indian tribes and organizations, Native 
     Hawaiian organizations, and Alaska Native organizations in 
     developing, implementing, and assessing family engagement in 
     education policies and practices; and
       (E) the use of data collection and reporting and outcome 
     and assessment systems of State educational agencies and 
     local educational agencies to determine the extent to which 
     family engagement in education is implemented as described in 
     section 1118.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives a report containing the findings and 
     recommendations resulting from the study conducted under this 
     section.

     SEC. 15. FEDERAL COORDINATION OF FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN 
                   EDUCATION PROGRAMMING.

       (a) Staffing.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, there shall be established in the 
     Department of Education dedicated staff, including a 
     Director, for family and community engagement.
       (b) Duties.--The duties of the Director shall include the 
     following:
       (1) Articulating a national vision of family engagement in 
     education.
       (2) Coordinating and integrating activities related to 
     family engagement strategies, services, and programs within 
     the Department and across Federal agencies.
       (3) Providing guidance to Department offices and units on 
     the administration of family engagement in education 
     programs, community school programs, and other related 
     initiatives, such as Promise Neighborhoods.
       (4) Ensuring consistency in family engagement in education 
     policies and programs within the Department.
       (5) Ensuring consistency in family engagement in education 
     policies and programs with family engagement policies and 
     practices of the programs and activities of other Federal 
     agencies.
       (6) Administering the Statewide Family Engagement Centers 
     under subpart 16 of part D of title V of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Full Service 
     Community Schools program.
       (7) Developing, in consultation with the public through an 
     invitation for public comment in the Federal Register, a plan 
     for innovation, research, and evaluation of family engagement 
     in education, including impact, implementation, and 
     replication studies.
       (8) Conducting, by arrangement with the Department's 
     Institute of Education Sciences, by contract, or by 
     competition, innovation, research and evaluation on family 
     engagement in education consistent with the requirement of 
     section 5567(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
     of 1965.
       (9) Disseminating effective and innovative practices on 
     family engagement to State educational agencies, Statewide 
     Family Engagement Centers and Local Family Engagement 
     Centers, parent training and information centers and 
     community parent resource centers assisted under sections 671 
     and 672 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 
     administrators of title I of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), and others.
       (10) Coordinating innovation, research, training, and 
     technical assistance activities among Statewide Family 
     Engagement Centers, Local Family Engagement Centers, and 
     regional educational laboratories.
       (11) Identifying opportunities for family engagement in 
     education collaboration and resource sharing among State 
     educational agencies, local educational agencies, and 
     organizations that support family-school partnerships.
       (12) Preparing a biennial report to Congress on family 
     engagement in education, including a summary of activities, 
     performance, and outcomes under sections 1006, 1008, 1112, 
     and 1118, and subpart 16 of part D of title V of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
       (13) Publishing State educational agency family engagement 
     in education plans and reports prepared as required by 
     section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965 on the website of the Department.
       (14) Carrying out such other duties as may be designated by 
     the Secretary.
       (c) Federal Department and Agency Cooperation.--Each 
     department or agency of the Federal Government providing 
     programs related to family and community engagement in 
     education shall--
       (1) cooperate with the efforts of the Director described in 
     subsection (a);
       (2) provide such assistance, statistics, studies, reports, 
     information, and advice as the Director may request, to the 
     extent permitted by law;
       (3) adjust department or agency staff job descriptions to 
     support collaboration and implementation of the vision and 
     strategy; and
       (4) assign department or agency liaisons to the office to 
     oversee and implement interagency coordination.

                          ____________________