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