Schools in Florida are reaching out to Hispanic parents with FCAT primer sessions - and breakfast meetings:
...Lujan goes to Dixieland Elementary in Lakeland, one of several Polk schools making new efforts to reach parents exactly like Hernandez. The school is hosting breakfast meetings, school tours and cultural family celebrations in an effort to familiarize Hispanic parents with the curriculum and make them feel more comfortable at the school.
The hope is that if parents feel they're part of the school's community, they'll play a more active role in their child's education.
"When they come here, these parents feel very isolated from the school," said Julie Dean, Dixieland's school psychologist. "We want to put parents in a role where they can be a part of their child's education"...
Many teachers and school administrators think parental involvement is key to a child's academic success.
"When parents are involved, children do better. Their attendance goes up. Their attitude is up. Their behavior problems are better," said Dean of Dixieland Elementary.
Posted by kswygert at November 29, 2004 10:36 AM