Parent Groups
Parents and caregivers of PUSD students can make a positive impact on school improvement by joining school and district leadership groups. Parents and members of the public are welcome to attend district and school advisory committee meetings.
School Level Parent Groups
- English Learner Advisory Committees (ELAC)
- School Site Councils (SSC)
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
English Learner Advisory Committees (ELAC)
The English Learner Advisory Committees (ELAC) advises the principal and staff on programs and services for English Learners and the School Site Council on the development of the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). ELACs advise the school in the development of the school's needs assessment, the school's annual language census, and ways to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.
School Site Councils (SSC)
California public school improvement plans are developed by a school site council (SSC). Councils are composed of the principal, representatives of teachers, other school personnel, parents of students attending the school, and, in secondary schools, students.
School site councils:
- measure the effectiveness of improvement strategies at the school.
- seek input from school advisory committees.
- reaffirm or revise school goals, revise improvement strategies and expenditures.
- recommend the approved single plan for student achievement (SPSA) to the governing board.
- monitor implementation of the SPSA.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Many schools have groups of active and generous parents who support learning, organize events, foster partnerships and volunteer on campus. PTAs are independent membership organizations and are supported by the PTA Council of PUSD, which has a 100-year legacy of serving Pasadena-area public schools. Check with your school to join your school's PTA.
District Level Parent Groups
- District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)
- LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
- Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
- African American Parent Council (AAPC)
- Foster Youth Council (FYC)
- District Advisory Council (DAC)
- PTA Council of PUSD
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) discusses issues related to the English Learner program, advises the district, and receives ideas on how to support their children at home.
All official DELAC members must be members of a school English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).
DELAC meetings are generally held the third Monday of most months, 6 - 8 p.m., at the PUSD Education Center. Contact Maria Chavez, ELAC & DELAC Liaison, or the Language Assessment & Development Department with questions.
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) members represent the student groups targeted by California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and review and comment on the district’s annual Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) as mandated by state law. Members serve three-year terms.
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
African American Parent Council (AAPC)
Chartered by the PUSD Board of Education, the African American Parent Council (AAPC) is a coalition of parents, students, schools, and communities that honors and embraces the identity and experiences of PUSD’s African-American families, advocates for the cultural acceptance of all, and mobilizes all stakeholders to transform the system to ensure a high quality education for every student.
Black Student and Family Task Force
The Black Student and Family Task Force is devoted to creating an actionable plan in support of PUSD’s Resolution 2566 Commitment to Black students.
The task force has set goals and timelines to support Black students’ academic achievement and Black families’ well-being within the district. It includes district leaders and African American Parent Council leadership.
The task force is seeking volunteers committed to Black children and families to serve on subcommittees. Focus areas include - curriculum and instruction, enrollment, engagement, facilities, climate and culture, and special education.
To join one of the subcommittees in this exciting and groundbreaking task force, contact AAPC.
Foster Youth Council (FYC)
The Foster Youth Council (FYC) is a collaborative body of guardians/parents, educators, students, and community advocates. The council respects and embraces the intelligence, talents, and potential of students in foster care, values their ability to reach their full potential, and provides them the tools and skills to integrate into the school community. As a parent advisory committee of PUSD, the Foster Youth Council engages in district level advocacy for the educational success of youth in our community, collaborating with other parent advisory committees and building partnerships with community organizations.
District Advisory Council (DAC)
The District Advisory Council, or DAC, is composed of parents, staff, and community leaders that consult with the Board of Education and district staff on matters related to state and federal funding, programs and compliance issues.
Each school in the district designates a School Site Council member and an alternate to attend monthly meetings and share information. Members review and provide input on the district's Local Educational Agency Plan and initiatives.
PTA Council of PUSD
The PTA Council of Pasadena Unified is the parent group of all PTA units in the Pasadena Unified School District. Organized under the authority of the California State PTA, the Council generously volunteers countless hours of service to Pasadena public schools, while providing continuous support and assistance to units, leadership training, and serves as a voice for PUSD PTA members.
Community Parent Groups
Collaborate PASadena
Collaborate PASadena is an initiative of the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Unified School District that works toward building better working relationships, accountability, and communication, with the vision that the children of Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre all grow up in a safe, stable and supportive environment that prepares them for success.
Representatives from the City, PUSD, and nonprofit organizations meet regularly in work groups addressing five key areas: Early Learning, Healthy Families, Parent Engagement, Student Success, and Supportive Communities. All groups are open to anyone interested in working together toward better outcomes for children. Visit www.collaboratepasadena.org for more information and to become involved.
Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF)
For more than 45 years, the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) has been committed to building dynamic community partnerships to support Pasadena Unified School District schools. PEF is a vital part of the community and provides essential resources and enrichment opportunities to every public school student in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. Get involved at pased.org.
Pasadena Education Network (PEN)
Pasadena Education Network (PEN) provides unbiased information, parent education programs, and services that make it easy for parents to explore PUSD public schools and to engage with the district.
PEN is an independent grassroots non-profit organization that promotes informed family participation in public schools for the benefit of all children in our community. We believe that children benefit from an education that is culturally, socio-economically, and racially diverse, and that families need easy access to credible information about public schools from a trusted source so that they can make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Visit www.penfamilies.org to learn more and to join our growing network.