PARENTS ARE OUR PARTNERS Jamilah Fraser Chief of Communications The School District of Philadelphia...

PARENTS ARE OUR PARTNERS

Jamilah FraserChief of Communications

The School District of PhiladelphiaJuly 2011

Parent UniversityAn Early Key Initiative of Imagine 2014

Linking Parent Engagement& Student Achievement

Parents and Schools working together

For student success.

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CORE BELIEFS

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1. Children come first.2. Parents are our Partners.3. Victory is in the classroom facilitated by a strong instructional leader.4. Leadership and accountability are keys to success.5. It takes the engagement of the entire community to ensure the success of our public schools.

Making Progress in all 5 Strategic Goal Areas

Student SuccessQuality ChoicesGreat StaffAccountable AdultsWorld-Class Operations

Requires commitment, collaboration & communication

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Mission & GoalsProvide parents with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to

support their children's education and increase student achievement;

Support parents in navigating the education process and help them to become more effective advocates for their children;

Empower and engage parents through education to support and strengthen their families;

Improve collaboration and communication efforts between schools and families;

Provide opportunities and support for parents to achieve their personal academic and non-academic goals; and,

Increase the percentage of parents who are actively involved in their school communities and experience satisfaction.

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Strategic & Innovative Partnerships MatterInvolve local cultural, community & faith-based organizations;

Reach out to area colleges & universities;

Collaborate & communicate with elected city & state officials;

Invite participation of Immigrant, Newcomer & National Service Centers and agencies;

Ask partners to provide programs, locations for events, as well as funding support; and,

Coordinate, clarify, and utilize many forms of communication to get the word out & provide ongoing feedback.

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Parent University Offerings Meet Needs:English language classes

Asthma Management

Motivational Speaker Series

Fathers on Board

Parents with a Purpose

Raising Readers Workshop

Family Communications

Financial Literacy

Bills & Budgets7

FamilyNet: How to Check Grades & Attendance

Education Options Program

(Help Getting your GED)

A Parent’s Learning Guide to

The Core Curriculum

Social Etiquette

Computer Training

and so much more…

Parent University Progress to Date:

Over 12,000 parents served in 2009-2010

Over 27,000 parents served in

2010-2011

Over 40 classes held each year

Three classes offered in multiple languages

First Graduation held in June 2010 for 300 success stories

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Number of sites expanded

(57 locations in 2010-2011)

Enrollment now averages 14,000 each semester

Three most popular classes:

*English Language for Adults

*Computer Training

*FamilyNet

Media Coverage & National Interest:

*How do we measure it? *What does it signify?*Why does it matter?*How do we maintain it?*What communication methods have been most successful?

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Challenges & Opportunities

Moving forward

Current Challenges:

Massive budget cuts threaten our priorities & progress Fewer Parent Resource CentersFewer sites & offeringsLess & less fundingFewer people carrying greater burdens

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Current Opportunities:

*Seize the success story*9 years of steady gains*More parents now have better skills & tools*Continue to parents as partners & learners

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How can we help one another?AdvocacyAccess• Sharing information

and networks

Action• Live & Learn as

Partners in Education 13