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Mass PIRC makes a difference in the lives of families by partnering with school districts to engage families at all levels. Here are a few examples of how our work has impacted individual families at home with their children and in their interactions with the school and the larger community.
Promoting Positive Behaviors through “High Fives”
Mass PIRC works with families and educators at the Francis M. Leahy Elementary School in Lawrence to build family-school partnerships. The school-family team initiated a “High Five” program to reward students’ positive behaviors based on five principles: Respect, Responsibility, Role Model, Readiness and Relationships. Parents receive guidance on how to be appropriate role models and how to recognize, emphasize and reward their children’s positive behaviors—at home, at school, and in their communities.
Somali Families Become Part of the School Community
Somali families contribute a unique cultural and linguistic diversity to the Springfield Public Schools. However, these differences also made it difficult for them to participate at their children’s schools. To build understanding between families and schools, Mass PIRC worked with the director of the Somali Center to facilitate meetings with representatives from both groups. As a result, the school community initiated efforts to meet the Somali families’ language needs and Somali families are now eager participants in their children’s education and contributors to the Springfield school community.
A Learner Becomes a Leader
Even though parents may understand and speak some English, many lack the confidence to talk with their children’s teachers. To build confidence, Mass PIRC offered ESL (English as a Second Language) classes using Mass PIRC training materials to teach families about education in the U.S. Families learned that they do have a voice in their children’s education, and that U.S. schools expect parent to participate. One mother wrote, “As an immigrant, I didn’t know where to turn to understand the education system. In this class, I gained confidence and now communicate more effectively with educators. I also became aware of other people in the same situation as me.” This mother now provides leadership and support to help other parents participate in their children’s education.
District Gains Strength Through Diversity
Thanks in part to technical assistance from Mass PIRC, the Worcester Public Schools’ Citywide Parent Planning Advisory Council (CPPAC) greatly increased its membership and became far more representative of the district’s diversity. In an unprecedented outpouring of participation, 200 family and community members from 41 of the city’s 44 schools shared their hopes and concerns with district leaders at a citywide Parent/Guardian Roundtable Forum. For the first families from a cross-section of the city’s linguistic, racial and socio-economic diversity had a direct line of communication with district leaders.
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