In 1997 the Prichard Committee established the institute, which trains 200 parents each year at seven sites across the state. Institute graduates commit to design and implement projects to improve student achievement and increase parent involvement in their local schools. When parents form a partnership with their local schools, children win.
Parent involvement equals higher student achievement.
Institute graduates form a partnership with their schools aimed at improving student achievement. Graduates study school test data to determine areas of academic strength and weakness and decide what needs to be done. Working with other parents and teachers, they set goals and objectives focused on meeting the school's needs and plan projects based on these goals. All along the way, graduates are coached and encouraged by a Prichard Committee staff member in their region. Parents and children attend to discuss requirements for the school's science fair.