Migrant Parent Advisory Council

Kansas MEP Policy Guidance

Parental involvement is an integral part of all Title I programs, including the Migrant Education Program (MEP). It is important for parents and schools to develop partnerships and build ongoing dialogues to improve student achievement. Title I supports parental involvement by enlisting individual parents to help their children do well in school. In order to receive MEP funds, a local school district must implement programs, activities, and procedures that effectively involve migrant parents. The Kansas Migrant Education Program requires that a local school district receiving MEP funds must consult with a Migrant Parent Advisory Council (MPAC) in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of the local migrant education program.

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 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.

Local MPAC Guidelines

A local MPAC

• should be comprised of a representative sample of parents or guardians of eligible migrant children and individuals who represent the interests of such parents
• should meet once per month during the regular school year
• should provide parents the meeting location, time, and agenda well in advance
• should schedule meetings that are convenient for parents and accommodate their work schedules
• should provide meeting agendas, minutes, and other materials in a language and format that parents understand
• should establish meeting rules that support open discussion
• may use MEP funds to provide transportation, childcare, or other reasonable and necessary costs to facilitate attendance

The local MEP will retain copies of attendance records, meeting agendas, minutes, and any other relevant materials for auditing purposes by the Kansas Migrant Education Program.