For immediate release:
Jan. 26, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS - Legislators have brought to life the dream of State Rep. Mary Ann Sullivan (D-Indianapolis), who strives to bring more parental involvement into Indiana schools.House Bill (HB) 1150 was unanimously passed today in the Indiana House. HB 1150 will now move to the Senate for consideration.
“Schools to voluntarily seek to become an ‘Indiana Family Friendly School.’ This designation will serve as a seal of approval for school’s efforts to welcome and meaningfully engage families in working toward student success,” said Sullivan.
HB 1150 would establish the Indiana Family Friendly School Designation Program. It will require the Department of Education to work side by side with state organizations for the common goal of designating certain schools as being “family friendly.”
“Any school can be considered family friendly. They must demonstrate that they have multiple opportunities for parents to take place in the many educational activities taking place,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan and co-author State Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh (D-Crown Point) hope to use this designation as an opportunity to assist parents who are deciding which schools their children should attend.
“With the support of organizations like the Indiana Parent Teachers Association (IPTA), I look forward to our state becoming a leader in the recognition of family involvement in the classroom. Fostering student achievement is the foundation of a strong education system. This bill will reinforce that achievement,” Sullivan said.
“This bill creates an incentive for schools to demonstrate the best practice in this area, while they continue to improve other factors that are necessary to educate all children to their highest potential,” she added.
