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.