Research by Indiana higher education stakeholders such as business leaders, college recruiters and parents have found that college individual student success cannot be separated from supportive family and community relations. The Indiana Department of Education seeks to improve student learning at all levels by instituting the voluntary Family Friendly Schools Program (2014). “The purpose of the program is to focus on addressing the academic, physical, emotional and social needs of students while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community. It is a State recognition program for schools that excel in the involvement of families and communities in their children’s education.” Parents are encouraged to show more interest in their children’s learning processes.

Program Announcement http://www.doe.in.gov/outreach/familyfriendly-schools-program

Program Description http://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/outreach/doe-ffs-handbook-v3.pdf

News http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bill-label-welcoming-schools-family-friendly-25607/