The MCPS Family Engagement Advisory Team (FEAT)

MCPS is committed to improving students’ school experience and academic success and ensuring equitable learning opportunities by engaging families in decision-making and program review. The FEAT provides opportunities for MCPS families to learn about and provide input and feedback on the district’s programs and initiatives, ensuring that family connections are inclusive, individualized, integrated and impactful (from the National PTA “Four Is” framework for Transformative Family Engagement); and create uniform expectations and best practices for individual schools and districtwide decision making.

Team responsibilities include:

• Provide input and feedback to MCPS Central Office staff, school staff and work groups on programs, activities, services, resources, and materials, including communication to families, and Parent Academy;
• Solicit feedback from other parents in the community;
• Participate in efforts to promote a welcoming environment in all schools;
• Assist staff with training to strengthen family advocacy skills;
• Develop a plan for collaborative learning opportunities for school administrators and teachers to equitably engage with all students and families.

The FEAT is composed of no more than 15 parent/guardians, including individuals and community stakeholders, a school administrator, a teacher, a Parent-Community Coordinator (PCC) and a member of Student and Family Support and Engagement. Note: the term “parent” refers to the parent or legal guardian of a child enrolled in a MCPS. The FEAT meets at least seven times during the school year and members serve a two-year term.

MCPS Parent and Family Involvement Policy