February is Parent Involvement in Education Month, spearheaded by the American Samoa Parent Information Resource Center (ASPIRC), a program of PICED, the Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development.

The theme is: “When parents believe, students achieve.”

During this month, ASPIRC and PICED will be working with schools, parents, and students to celebrate partnerships between schools and families.

Gov. Togiola Tulafono proclaimed February as Parent Involvement in Education Month in a proclamation signed in January 2010.

He says the children of American Samoa are our most valuable resources and are the key to the territory’s future economic and social well-being, noting that education undergirds and sustains our democratic society, affording each child, including children with special needs, “the opportunity to attain his or her highest level of achievement.”

“The most accurate predictor of student achievement in school is the extent to which parents and families are able to create a home environment that encourages learning and become involved in their children’s education on both school and the community,” Togiola says.

The Governor noted that the importance of this month requires not only recognition, but a firm commitment to create welcoming and supportive school environments for parents and families. He urges all residents to participate in special events for Parent Involvement in Education Month.

In the effort to promote parental involvement in schools, ASPIRC is hosting a series of free events that focus on increasing student achievement though parent involvement.

ASPIRC officially launched the special month Feb. 3 with a Parent Involvement Conference that invited parents and educators to learn about successful practices and research-based strategies to increase student achievement.

Guest speaker was Director for the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs Leiataua Leuga A. Turner.

The conference offered workshops that focused on child development, parenting and school readiness.

Also this month, ASPIRC is hosting computer training courses, a family friendly school competition, a parent night and a Parent-Teacher Association Project.

ASPIRC says for the competition, they are accepting nominations from parents who think that their child’s school is making a great effort to create a family-friendly environment.

After all nominations are submitted on Feb. 22, a committee will review each nominated school based on a set criteria, and the results of a family-friendly school questionnaire.

The top three most “family-friendly” schools will receive certificates recognizing their efforts in this territory-wide competition.

In the PTA Project, the PTAs of schools with ASPIRC parent centers will implement a project to enhance the school’s program. Each PTA will come up with a project that best meets the needs of the students and parents at their school. The PTA Project that makes the biggest impact will receive a certificate of recognition at the end of the month.

For Parent Night, Parent Center coordinators at ASPIRC centers will plan and host a Parent Night in collaboration with the school administration. Open houses, book fairs, cultural activities, and game nights are some of the Parent Night events taking place this month.

The goal is to invite parents to participate in an activity that will strengthen the family-school relationship, and to give parents a chance to be close to their children’s teachers and other parents. Parents are encouraged to check with their school’s Parent Center for details on Parent Night at their school.

Computer training courses are being offered through Feb. 26.

Training is being held at ASPIRC school-based centers, and PICED’s main office in Nu’uuli. Introductory and intermediate level classes are being held based on the availability of parents who enroll.

ASPIRC notes that ASPIRC’s 21st Century Parenting for the Pacific Island Child (21st CPPIC), will be one of the pre-requisites for parents who wish to enroll in the computer training courses.

Computer instructors will integrate the four aspects of 21st CPPIC into their curriculum: Child development, parent leadership, school readiness, and benefits of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. This addition to the curriculum ensures that parents see the connection between learning computer skills and increasing student achievement.

For more information, call PICED at 699-2904.