GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Parents as Experts in the Classroom

Parents as Experts in the Classroom

No doubt about it – teachers are masters at crafting academic content so that its relatable to students. They can take the mundane in numbers, work their magic, and teach kids how to multiply fractions. And they can take drab characters, shine a light on them and all of a sudden, these characters become our kids’ best friends. Simply put, teachers are truly inspirational! Sometimes, though, parents are tempted to think that the teacher is the only one that can be in command of student learning in the classroom. The truth is that teachers embrace all experts to enlighten their students and would be more than happy to welcome your experience and expertise in the classroom! So, what are some topics you could present to students? [Read more…]

Benefits of Volunteering At Your Child’s School

Benefits of Volunteering At Your Child’s School

My daughters have been very fortunate to attend an elementary school which offers a parent participation program. This type of alternative education program emphasizes parent involvement with classroom learning, whether it be to accompany students on a field trip, prepare classroom materials at home prior to the teacher’s lesson, or to read with a small group of students. The idea is that students who receive support from multiple adults will have a more enriched learning experience.

How to Volunteer at School

Even if your children are not in a specific parent participation program, you can still volunteer in your child’s school. There are many benefits for you and your children when you seek out opportunities and get involved with your child’s education. Here’s my top 10! [Read more…]

How to Help Your Child Use College and Career Support Services

How to Help Your Child Use College and Career Support Services

The new school year has started. As a superintendent of two public middle schools and a comprehensive high school, I have reflected on how I can change some of our school’s procedures and programs to fully support our college and career ready students. Here’s a list of changes that we will implement this year: [Read more…]

Parent Advocacy and the LCAP Process

Parent Advocacy and the LCAP Process

childThis week’s blog focuses on how parents can advocate for  programs that address their children’s educational needs. Public schools and districts have always encouraged parental engagement and advocacy. Now, under the State of California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) these are  essential. The LCFF, which took effect in the 2013-14 school year, determines funding for public schools in our state. The LCFF requires each school district to develop a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). It further requires that the LCAP be written in collaboration with parents, educators, employees and community members. The LCAP determines how state funding will be spent in each school district. [Read more…]