Based on examination of three Illinois school districts (Bloomington, Evanston/Skokie and Waukegan), as well as interviews with parents, educators and community groups, Chicago Appleseed has developed the “Top-Down/Bottom-Up” model for parental involvement that works to address the weaknesses and challenges of Section 1118 in the No Child Left Behind Act.  This model of parental involvement is based on:  1) the terms of NCLB, 2) the essential elements of successful parental involvement programs as detailed by leading policy and education experts, and 3) the priority of increasing student achievement on the part of districts, schools, and parents.

Schools and districts must work from the top to initiate parental involvement and create organizational structures to make parental involvement possible in schools and a priority with educators and parents.  Parents must be responsive to the efforts of schools.  In addition, there must be action and outreach to build the capacity of parents to participate in meaningful ways.  Community groups can help make this relationship work.  They can facilitate interactions and act as a bridge between parents and schools. 

The Chicago Appleseed report, Improving Parental Involvement in Illinois Under the No Child Left Behind Act, contains specific and achievable recommendations for improvement in Illinois school districts based on impact research and expert testimony.