The event was the second in a series of three day-long Parent University sessions scheduled for this academic year. Attendees included parents who had already completed the first session, held at UMass Boston in October, and new enrollees. Building on the success of the October event, the January session offered additional workshops geared towards fathers and other males and a course designed specifically for single parents. Participants also enjoyed a keynote lunchtime address by Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.
“The response to Parent University from Boston families has been incredibly positive, and we are thrilled that so many of our parents are taking advantage of this learning experience,” said Dr. Johnson. “We must embrace parents as partners and support them in their role as their child’s first teacher if we are to close access and achievement gaps and ensure that all of our students graduate from high school prepared for college and career success.”
Dr. Johnson thanked Northeastern University for its support of the program. In addition to providing the space and student volunteers to staff the event, Northeastern partnered with BPS to develop a curriculum specifically for parents of high school students. The district has enlisted other partner organizations to offer a wide range of workshops, many in both English and Spanish, including:
• Easing your way into Algebra
• Raising our sons
• MCAS: A roadmap to understanding your child’s scores
• K-8 science, your child and you!
• What is self esteem? How do we get it? How do we give it?
• No Child Left Behind: What’s in it for families?
• Let’s talk about it: Keeping communication open with your teen
BPS also welcomed visitors from several school districts around the country. Representatives from Washington, D.C., Maine, and Florida traveled to Boston to learn more about the Parent University model.
Organized by the BPS Office of Family & Student Engagement, Parent University is funded in part with stimulus dollars from President Obama’s American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) and support from private donors. The learning experience is designed to help parents increase their understanding of how children learn and develop; promote their children’s learning success; provide opportunities for personal and professional growth; and to work collaboratively for school improvement. The year-long program includes three full-day Saturday learning sessions, with additional sessions at schools, libraries and community centers. Parents who complete courses will participate in a graduation ceremony in June.