In fact, the teaching does continue albeit unwittingly in many cases. Parents had to be invited to participate as equals, capable of learning and teaching reciprocally. Although the workshops are hosted and facilitated by the teachers, the guiding principle is that all participants have a voice that is equally valued. The meetings are conducted in a circle. Each meeting begins with parents interviewing each other on selected topics ranging from their favorite color to their opinions on how the school can foster better community relations.
Parents present their findings to the group.
The agenda follows with a break for shared refreshments and informal conversation after which the hands-on training begins. Role play is used to present both effective and ineffective methods and parents create their own take-home manipulatives and visual aides during the training. It has also revealed that parents have a great eagerness to be involved but often don't know how. What is mistaken as parent apathy is many times mere unawareness. It is hoped that as time goes on, similar initiatives will be enacted throughout the campus and district.