Parent and Family Engagement:
Family School Relations Coordinator at Red Clay Consolidated School District
Red Clay Consolidated School District has hired a part-time family-school relations coordinator at A.I. DuPont Middle School as part of the federally funded Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Based on the premise that Algebra I is a gatekeeper subject for college admission, the Delaware GEAR UP program is designed to assist students in developing the confidence and skills necessary for success in the 8th grade Honors Algebra I course. The coordinator's role is to ensure parent and student engagement in the range of college preparatory academic and guidance activities developed by the school's faculty and GEAR UP staff.
What are the results? The coordinator's contact with families has resulted in active family advocacy for access to rigorous high school courses. As a result of GEAR UP, approximately 79 percent of 10th grade students are taking mathematics courses above the Algebra I level, and 90 percent of active students have taken at least one high school Honors course. The coordinator serves 125 active families.
Parents have also become more engaged in their schools. In addition, 25 parents of middle and high school students attend the monthly "Parent Cafe" support group. The Parent Cafe is parent-led, and guest speakers are invited to discuss topics such as school choice, organizational skills, the achievement gap and summer enrichment programs.
How does Vision 2015 address parent and family engagement?
Parents are integral to student success and must be included in the education process. Vision 2015 recommends: (a) offering leadership and advocacy training to families and instituting school-based family liaisons to strengthen school-family ties, and (b) 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.
