Executive Director’s Perspective: Parent Engagement is a Priority

I just returned from a 2-day meeting in Albany called “On the Same Page: A Summit for Family Engagement in Education”.  This state-wide initiative, which is beginning its second year, brings together parents, educators, state and local officials, technical assistance providers, and community organizations to develop and recommend policies to the New York State Regents about improving outcomes for students through more effective engagement of families in schools.

Collaborating with families is essential for successful students. We all know that schools that are most successful are the ones with “demand” parents – parents who are engaged, involved, and advocate for their children.  Poor performing schools are schools with low levels of family participation. In these schools, graduation rates are low, and outcomes for students with disabilities are even more troubling.

I have been thinking about our challenges in special education and how our Parent Centers can most effectively reach out to the communities that need us most. Our work is on two levels: with the schools, to change culture and help educators develop the skills to support and welcome families – and to influence parents to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to participate as full partners in their children’s education.

This is critical work, especially for the students, schools, families, and communities who are most at risk. Our work with families continues to focus on enhancing their ability to understand how the school system works, improving their ability to participate effectively, and supporting their ability to be advocates for their children.  This work supports positive futures for children and enhances their parents’ efficacy and moves schools toward being more responsive.

As we continue our work as a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center and develop our new state-funded Manhattan and Bronx Parent Centers Without Walls, our challenge is to facilitate equal partnerships and true power-sharing among educators and families so that students with disabilities have futures of independence, contribution, and meaning.  We have a long way to go, but we are excited to be part of a growing community of parents and educators who are committed to facing these challenges together.