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Parent Leadership AcademyLEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS TO BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES

Introductions

Kimberly Baumgardner, M.Ed., ESC – Region 20

Helen Torres, Parental Network Coordinator, San Antonio College

Lizet Casas, MPA, Family & Community Engagement Facilitator, SAISD

Selene Garza, MS, Family & Community Engagement Facilitator, SAISD

Objective

This presentation is a reflection of the successes and learning opportunities that our team has experienced through the implementation of the Parent Leadership Academy.

Our initial purpose was to assist families to become stronger advocates for their children, but we have learned that linking our resources has benefitted families more than we could have imagined.

How this partnership came together• Intent to partner

• Helen & Kimberly started a brainstorming session

• SAISD had been a long-standing partner with both agencies – had conversations with each organization separately

• As a team, we developed a purpose and goals for our partnership

• The planning stage began

Initial OutreachRegistration is open to all families

within the San Antonio Region

SAISD asked Parent & Family Liaisons to assist with outreach at campuses

Helen reached out to her Parental Network

Kimberly reached out to her Region 20 network of families

Parent Leadership Academy

PURPOSE The purpose of the Parent Leadership Academy is to empower parents to have a leadership role in the education of their families, and become active education advocates in the community. The Parent Leadership Academy will also serve to increase access and knowledge to a college going culture.

VALUES Parent Leadership Sustainability

Parent Advocacy for Education

Outcomes• Parents/guardians/caregivers will learn the value of family and community engagement to support increased student learning.

•Parents/guardians/caregivers will develop leadership skills to empower them in the education of their children and families.

• Parents/guardians/caregivers will become a parent support system and connect to other educational and community resources.

Outcomes• Parents/guardians/caregivers will learn to navigate and partner with the school system to become better advocates for their families (elementary, middle school, high school and higher education).

• Parents/guardians/caregivers will promote a college going culture.

• Parents/guardians/caregivers will apply and build on their new skill set through their involvement in school/community activities, and mentor new parents to promote the Parent Leadership Academy and further impact families.

ApplicationSponsored by each organization so that there is no cost to participants.

CoursesEach organization hosts specific course.

The contribution is based on what our emphasis is as our organization.

Components:

1. Connecting Activity

2. Resources

3. Building a skillset

Courses1. *Parent Leadership Academy Orientation

2. Navigating the School System

3. My Role in the Community as a Parent

4. Developing a College Going Culture at Home

5. *Covey: The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Families

6. *Mid-Point Gathering

7. Strengthening Academic Success Outside the Classroom

8. San Antonio College Parent Tour

9. *Closing Session

10. *Graduation

Two elective courses offered by Region 20

*required

Portfolios

Portfolios

Graduation

Demographics

GenderFemale – 91%

Male 9%

Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino – 74%White – 14%

Asian – 2%Black or African American – 10%

Income Level

• Less than $5,000 – 11%

• $5,000-$9,999 –3%

• $10,000-$14,999 –10%

• $15,000-$24,999 –14%

• $25,000-$34,999 –14%

• $35,000-$49,999 –18%

• $50,000+ - 30%

Education Level

• Did not graduate from high school – 9%

• High School Diploma – 14%

• Some College – 44%

• Bachelors Degree – 18%

• Masters Degree – 12%

• Doctoral Degree – 3%

Pre/Post Tests1. Demographics

2. Interests

3. Resources

4. Engagement in campus activities

5. College Focus

6. Community engagement

Pre Tests

I am a member of a school/campus organization

• Yes – 49%

• No – 50%

How often do you volunteer at your child’s school?

• As needed – 63%

• Everyday – 11%

• Once per week – 10%

• Once per month – 4%

• Never – 12%

Pre Tests

If you suddenly became ill, would you have a support system that would minimize any disruptions to your family's schedule?

• Yes – 56%

• I don’t know – 5%

• Maybe – 20%

• No – 19%

Are you aware of agencies that provide family services in your community?

• Yes – 69%

• No – 31%

HarvardFamily Engagement: Creating Effective Home School Partnerships for Student Success

Karen Mapp, Ed.D., Harvard UniversityFaculty Director, Education Policy and

Management

The Work

The Work

Post Tests

I am a member of a school/campus organization

• Yes – 49% -- 62%

• No – 50% -- 38%

How often do you volunteer at your child’s school?

• As needed – 63% -- 70%

• Everyday – 11% -- 10%

• Once per week – 10% -- 10%

• Once per month – 4% -- 10%

• Never – 12% -- 0%

Post Tests

If you suddenly became ill, would you have a support system that would minimize any disruptions to your family's schedule?

• Yes – 56% -- 70%

• I don’t know – 5% -- 10%

• Maybe – 20% -- 20%

• No – 19% -- 0%

Are you aware of agencies that provide family services in your community?

• Yes – 69% -- 97%

• No – 31% -- 3%

Lessons Learned1. Growth that we see from the community

2. Parent Advocacy

3. Personal Empowerment – Internal Confidence

4. Every cohort is a highly diverse group

Lessons Learned5. Even parents who have always been involved have a different take

6. Outreach to nominate others

7. Energy, Excitement, Passion

8. Participants all have a different purpose for enrolling

9. Personal Stories

Melody Bodner

Melody spoke at ESC-20's Board Meeting as a representative of the Bexar County Head Start Policy Council.

Priscilla FloresPriscilla was a part of a Family Panel during an 'I am SAC PROUD' event.

Victor GardeaVictor has not become aware that his role goes beyond advocating for his own family. He has found that expanding his network has led to numerous opportunities to make others aware of needs in his community and accessing more resources.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Contact InformationKimberly Baumgardner

Kimberly.baugardner@esc20.net

210-370-5431

Helen Torres

Htorres@alamo.edu

210-486-0947

Lizet R. Casas

Lcasas1@saisd.net

210-554-220-10

Selene Garza

Sgarza16@saisd.net

210-554-2210