This straight-forward approach can sometimes be intimidating for parents of different cultures who aren't accustomed to thinking about education as a partnership. But PIQE has enjoyed steady success in bringing parents from diverse backgrounds closer to their kids and their schools. The graduations are festive and high-spirited. Graduates and their families cheer and celebrate as parents are awarded their diplomas. Many graduates then cycle back into the organization by performing outreach and joining the volunteer staff.
Schools play an important role as well.
They contribute by inviting the Parent Institute to hold sessions at their school, by recruiting participants, providing facilities and support for the courses, and then following up with parent involvement programs. Schools also provide matching funds for the cost of the program, making it cost-free to participants. And many schools that start a Parent Institute program at their school stay with it year after year, as new parents come into the school community. The advantages are more than psychological. The Parent Institute for Quality Education can be contacted at the central office in San Diego at 619.483.4730.