New York school systems need as much support as they can get to ensure that every student achieves the state's rigorous new academic standards. Research shows that when administrators are committed to getting and keeping parents involved in their children's education, student achievement improves.
Parental involvement is the one common thread that is found in all schools of excellence.
And there is a payoff for the district as well. The Rochester City School District, which for years has used parent liaisons to increase the quantity and quality of parental involvement, recently announced plans to have one full-time parent liaison in every school in the district. Next month the district's first Parent Action Center will open. Designed by parents and funded by the district, the center will provide a central place for parents and families to get information and support to help them work effectively with their children's schools. The center will be staffed by parents who have been trained in customer service, have a thorough knowledge of school programs and policies and who know the needs of other parents.