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Saturday, February 15, 2014

2-15-14 Engaging Parents In School All Week… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"



Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement":







Intriguing Early Ed Program Focuses On Latino Parents In Chicago
I’ve previously written several posts about the excellent parent engagement efforts by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association in Chicago. I’ve also written posts about a program for Latino parents of very young children called Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors. Now, the two groups have combined forces to initiate an intriguing expansion of Logan Square’s work with parents. You can read about it at
The “Family Time Machine”
The Family Time Machine is a well-put-together interactive site that families can access to identify educational and fun activities that they can do together. It’s sponsored by The National Center for Families and Learning. You can learn more about it at an Education Week post titled Report Finds Parents Want Help Deciding How To Spend Quality Family Time.
“Parent Trigger Laws In The States”
Parent Trigger Laws In The States is a report, and chart, from The National Conference Of State Legislatures. It gives a pretty complete explanation and comparison of the different parent trigger laws passed by a few states. Thanks to Alexander Russo for the tip.

FEB 13

“The Power Of Parents” Is A Good New Report From Ed Source
The Power Of Parents: Research underscores the impact of parent involvement in schools is a new accessible report from Ed Source (done in collaboration with New America Media. It provides a well-written summary of a fair amount of parent involvement research, and is definitely one of the best overviews out there. It could have been THE best, but it was a little surprising to me that most of the r

FEB 12

What Has Gotten In To These Guys? Now Leader Of Britain’s Labor Party Appears To Call For A “Parent Trigger”
I just don’t understand how people who consider themselves progressive here in the United States and, now, in Great Britain can support such a fundamentally undemocratic tool as the parent trigger (where a small number of parents can upend a public institution — read more at The Best Resources For Learning Why The Parent Trigger Isn’t Good For Parents, Kids Or Schools). Last night, Ed Miliband, th

FEB 11

“Famed Harlem Children’s Program Will Get New Leader”
Famed Harlem Children’s Program Will Get New Leader is the New York Times headline about Geoffrey Canada’s departure from being Director of the Harlem Children’s Zone (he will, however, stay on as President of its Board). It doesn’t quite fit, but I’ll still add this info to My Best Posts On The Harlem Children’s Zone & Other “Promise Zones.”

FEB 10

Infographic: “Ways A Parent Can Help With Spelling”
I’m adding this infographic to The Best Infographics About Parent Involvement In Schools:
British School Plans Hefty Parent Fines When Kids Are Late — Uh, I Think They Might Want To Rethink That…
Emerson Valley School plans fines for pupil lateness is an article at the BBC. Here’s an excerpt: A school plans to fine parents of pupils who consistently arrive late. Emerson Valley School in Milton Keynes plans to impose the £60 fixed penalty if children miss registration 10 times in a 12-week term. The junior school, which is in special measures, hopes the move will raise standards. But the pl
In The New York Times Today: “Do Parents Care Enough About School?”
The New York Times regular feature, “Room For Debate,” features this question today: Do Parents Care Enough About School? There are some excellent responses — it’s a must-read!
The Best Student Projects That Need Family Engagement — Contribute Your Lessons!
I’d like to create a very lengthy list of lessons that require students to engage with their parents and families in a positive way. I know I’ve previously posted about some, but I need to track them down. I’m also hoping that lots of teachers will send in summaries of successful lessons that they’ve done. I’ll add them to list and, of course, give you credit. You can find all my parent engagement
“District Leaders Urged to Rethink Community Engagement Strategies”
District Leaders Urged to Rethink Community Engagement Strategies is an interesting post over at Education Week about a recent address by former Milwaukee School Superintendent Howard Fuller. Here’s an excerpt: Fuller said school district leaders must reflect the racial makeup of the families they serve in order to achieve meaningful community engagement. That presents a real challenge, he added,
“How Budget Cuts and PTA Fundraising Undermined Equity in San Francisco Public Schools”
How Budget Cuts and PTA Fundraising Undermined Equity in San Francisco Public Schools is a very interesting article in the San Francisco Public Press that deals with issues of funding inequity far beyond the confines of San Francisco. In fact, it may be the best piece I’ve seen on role of parent fundraising in this problem and ways to deal successfully with the challenge. Here’s how it ends: The m
The Best Posts On The inBloom Data Fiasco
I’ve written several posts about the inBloom data fiasco — inBloom is the company that’s basically trying to collect, store and share student data and is supported by the Gates Foundation. I thought I’d put together a quick Best list: Where inBloom Wilted is from Ed Surge. Irate Parents Fight to Keep Information on Their Kids Private is the headline of an article about an effort to create a nation
Parent Engagement Enters “Twilight Zone” In Newark
I’ve published a couple of posts over the past two weeks about the wild stuff going on in Newark schools. It’s getting wilder. Check out Newark parent leader arrested, jailed, after criticizing state plan to close schools.
What Should Parents Do If They Think A Teacher Is Ineffective?
Problem In the Classroom? Tread Lightly is a New York Times post by Jessice Lahey giving advice on how a parent should handle things if they believe their child’s teacher is not an effective one. The post, plus the comments, might be worth sharing with parents…..