Migrant Education Parent Advisory Council

The purpose of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is for Migrant Education Program staff, in coordination with elected or selected parent committee members and other interested parties, to plan, implement, and evaluate the local program to continue to provide quality services to migratory children. The voice of migratory parents is essential and required for all phases of the local program.

PAC Guide

The PAC guide is used to help federal program directors, family liaisons, and migrant parent leaders understand the importance of local PACs, knowledge about the program and requirements, detailed information about the responsibilities of the PAC members, and tools for running an effective PAC meeting.

Having a meaningful and informative discourse with migrant parents/families is beneficial for program design, district and school staff, and ultimately direct student impact.

• Parent Advisory Council Guide-English
• Parent Advisory Council Guide-Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SEAs and local operating agencies required to consult with parents in planning the MEP?

Yes. Pursuant to section 1304(c)(3), SEAs and local operating agencies must consult with parent advisory councils in planning and operating the MEP if they operate programs of one school year in duration. The statute also requires the MEP provide for the same parental involvement as is required in section 1118, unless extraordinary circumstances make such provision impractical. This provision requires SEAs and local operating agencies to involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way in the planning, review, and improvement of the MEP. (See section 1118(c)(3) of the statute.) In addition, section 200.83(b) of the regulations requires SEAs to develop the comprehensive State plan in consultation with the State parent advisory council if the program is one school year in duration. If the program is less than one school year in duration, the SEA must consult with migrant parents. (Non-Regulatory Guidance---Chapter VII: Parental Involvement, Pg. 78)

Why is parental consultation in planning the MEP important at the State and local level?

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 and projects 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. (Non-Regulatory Guidance---Chapter VII: Parental Involvement, Pg. 79)

State Advisory Committee

Fifty-one percent of the members of the Washington State Migrant Education State Advisory Committee (SAC) are migrant parents and students. Other members include a teacher, a principal, a grants manager, a school superintendent or local school board director, a representative from the Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA), or a representative with educational interests of migratory students, a paraeducator, a recruiter or records clerk, and a secondary school counselor or advocate.

For more information regarding the Washington State Migrant Education Advisory Committee, contact the OSPI Migrant Education Program team at 360-725-6150.