Making education understandable and accessible at the parental level was viewed as an important first step in forming true partnerships between communities and schools. Relationships are critical . Mutual understanding and respect among citizens, teachers, and students are necessary for improvements in educational opportunity. These conversations on education and race conducted in the initiative may have been the first for many of the selected communities. But in each community, group dialogue led to collective action and coalition-building.
Diversity brings richness .
The diversity of people in the groups was seen as the most meaningful aspect. Conversations in Paterson, NJ, for instance, involved more than 50 different ethnic groups, enough to create a multicultural environment and to present multiple issues. Different age groups, in addition to ethnic groups, brought a variety of voices. The following issues were identified as the interventions participants believe are necessary to improve the quality of schools in ways that will satisfy both black and white parents. As a Vehicle To Raise Expectations .