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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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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