1. Parent Buy-In for Single Gender Education
Jo Anne Rodkey
Retired Principal
Woodward Avenue Elementary

2. Setting the stage for success
Create a school climate in which parents feel welcomed and involved.
Establish a communication link with parents so that they feel informed.
Develop a relationship with parents so that they trust that you have the best interest of their children at heart.

3. Don’t make it stressful… It’s a choice!
Are there groups that need to be informed and convinced about the value of single gender education before you present it to parents?
* teachers and staff
* School Advisory Board
* district staff
* School Board
* media

4. Develop a Plan
How do you inform parents about the single gender as a choice for their child?
What information do you want to share with parents to help them make an informed choice?

5. Challenges
What information will make the biggest impact on parents to convince them of the benefits of single gender education?
How do you provide information to parents who do not attend meetings?
How will you handle parents who are resistant to the information provided?

6. Shifting opinions rumor judgmental defensiveness opposition honesty
mutual respect
active listening
collaboration

7. CHOICE IS A GOOD THING
Assure parents that whatever choice they choose, their child will have a quality educational program.
Stay focused on the purpose of single gender education – improved student performance and greater success in school.