National research clearly shows that the program works. Children of families who have been in PAT demonstrate advanced language development, problem-solving and social skills, not only at age three, but into elementary school. Once in school, they have a lower grade retention rate and higher acheivement test scores. Each year more than 600 families utilize services through one of its five child and family centers. I liked getting to know more people, finding out about community resources, and learning to better understand kids and how to treat them.
Parents also learn problem-solving skills and strategies to reinforce learning at home.
Yet most teachers begin their careers unprepared to work with families. In a majority of states, including Indiana, teacher certification requirements make no mention of family involvement. The Marian College Education Department has been working to remedy this discrepancy since 1991. Today they have a nationally-recognized teacher training model that is preparing a new generation of teachers to partner with families. The time is right.