IMAGINE: the best schools in the world for every student in Delaware.

Delaware Parent Leadership Institute

The Delaware Parent Leadership Institute (DPLI) trains parents to better understand school achievement data so they can assist educators to make improvements based on that data. The idea is to go beyond parents’ traditional roles (bake sales and homework help) to focus on parents’ potential for helping improve student achievement. Just as expectations for teachers and students have been raised by higher academic standards, accountability and testing, expectations for parents have been raised as well. Operated by the Rodel Foundation of Delaware for 4 years, DPLI is open to all parents and caregivers of Delaware public school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and are interested in improving schools. Since 2004, more than 140 parent leaders have graduated from the institute and are now implementing projects that assist educators in raising student achievement.

How does it work?

At the school level, parent understanding of school achievement data is needed so parents can assist educators to make improvements based on that data. DPLI is designed to empower parents by providing them with the information and tools they need to become effective advocates for an improved state education system. Once a parent has been selected, he or she will attend six day-long and two evening sessions over the course of three months. In these sessions, parents work together to develop new skills and to improve their knowledge about their children’s public schools and Delaware’s education system. Upon completion of the training, participants commit to at least one project in a school or the community that primarily focuses on improving student achievement. In addition, the projects must involve other parents and be sustainable. Many parent-initiated projects have creatively focused on strategies to improve students' skills in math, reading, college readiness, and transitions to other schools.

What are the results?

DPLI Fellows have worked both individually and collectively to implement many statewide programs. The 2007 graduates have planned projects such as:  

Partners in Print, Maclary Elementary, Newark, Del. – Developed by Donna Allen-Woolfolk and Wanda Lopez to increase 4th & 5th grade writing skills by providing parent/student writing workshops. Included in the workshops will be a writing reference manual for use throughout the year. Allen-Woolfolk and Lopez will also work with parents and children to create a student newsletter that will introduce writing prompts, share student work, essay contest information, and cartoons.

Upon graduation from DPLI, participants have had the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge and skills gained from the seminars. Here's what some of the 2007 graduates had to say:

• “I learned that I wasn’t alone in trying to make a difference. DPLI gave me a better understanding of the tools and resources available to help me be a more effective advocate for my child.”
  --Donna Allen-Woolfolk, Maclary Elementary, Christina School District
  
• “I learned that every voice counts to make a difference in your child’s life.”
  --Lysa Reid, Academy of Dover Charter School, Capital School District.
  
• “One of the things I learned was empowerment-- how to be empowered by the data and use it to make positive changes in the schools.”
  --Deborah Walker, Silver Lake Elementary

More than 500 students and teachers have participated in activities organized by DPLI graduates.

How does Vision 2015 address parent and family involvement?

Vision 2015 recommends:

• Offering leadership and advocacy training to families and instituting school-based family liaisons to strengthen school-family ties.
• Strengthening online tools and outreach programs to inform parents about their children's progress and their school's academic standards and to help families reinforce classroom learning at home.

Where can I learn more?

DPLI's 2007 Yearbook