OPINION: Family engagement grows and more work lies ahead
September is a time for new beginnings and a time to build on the progress we’ve made as a community. I am excited to announce that family engagement is on the rise across the city.
Thanks to the hard work of teachers, school leaders, staff, parent leaders and volunteers, more than 1 million parents across the boroughs are attending a range of school-based workshops and trainings in college preparation, English as a Second Language, resume writing, Common Core Learning Standards — and in response to requests from families — even Zumba and nutrition. Also, 1.983 million families participated in parent-teacher or student-led conferences — 73,000 more compared to the year prior.
Reaching every parent, grandparent and guardian is essential, and while this is important progress, there is still more work to be done.
For instance, during my visits to schools and even to the local market, I’ve learned that families are not only interested in their child’s learning, but they also want to support schools with their own professional growth and wellness. And schools are listening and bringing in tailored programs and creating learning hubs for their parent community.