Parents’ Role in Schools Earns Fresh Respect

Maryland's new standards show value states place on family participation

Taking on a task usually handled by PTAs and other parent groups, the Maryland Department of Education has launched an awards program to recognize parents who have made significant contributions to the schools in their community.

The unusual project—which includes cash awards of up to $1,000 and which state Superintendent Nancy Grasmick views as a complement to “teacher of the year” programs—illustrates the role state education leaders in Maryland and elsewhere are taking in encouraging parent participation.

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, districts and Title I schools are required to have a parent-involvement policy, which includes having parents serving as advisers to school leaders as well as being involved in...