1. PARENTS ARE OUR PARTNERS Jamilah Fraser Chief of Communications The School District of Philadelphia July 2011

2. Parent University An Early Key Initiative of Imagine 2014 Linking Parent Engagement & Student Achievement Parents and Schools working together For student success. 1

3. CORE BELIEFS 3 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.

4. Making Progress in all 5 Strategic Goal Areas  Student Success  Quality Choices  Great Staff  Accountable Adults  World-Class Operations Requires commitment, collaboration & communication 3

5. Mission & Goals Provide 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. 4

6. Strategic & Innovative Partnerships Matter Involve 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. 5

7. 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 & Budgets 6 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…

8. 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 7 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

9. 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? 8

10. Challenges & Opportunities Moving forward

11. Current Challenges: Massive budget cuts threaten our priorities & progress Fewer Parent Resource Centers Fewer sites & offerings Less & less funding Fewer people carrying greater burdens 10

12. Current Opportunities: *Seize the success story *9 years of steady gains *More parents now have better skills & tools *Continue to parents as partners & learners 11

13. How can we help one another?  Advocacy  Access Sharing information and networks  Action Live & Learn as Partners in Education 12