International Center for Leadership in Education Conference

Today's message is about the upcoming conference sponsored by the International Center For Leadership in Education. The conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Su I will be attending and presenting two workshops on parent involvement. We both feel that this is one of the most professional conferences we have ever attended and we have attended many!

We will be providing information to districts in attendance from around the country on our topic of "Reaching the Hardest to Involve Parent". The conference is an opportunity to work with educators from around the country who are interested wide ranging set of topics. If you would like to learn more about the International Center you can reach them at following link: http://www.daggett.com/

If you would like more information about us visit our web site at: www.lighthouseeducation.us

Who are the hardest to involve parents?

Parents approach the school based upon their experience from their own education. If that experience was positive, then they are likely to take a positive approach to their child's school. These parents tend to feel comfortable at school, and some takes visible roles in their children's education.

The group of "hardest to involve parents" includes those whose school experiences have made them cautious, suspicious, and distrustful when coming into the schools. It also includes parents who face other barriers to becoming more involved. These parents may be poor, employed at low-paying jobs with no time off, or unemployed. They may face transportation, medical, or childcare problems. That may not speak English as their first language, have limited literacy skills, or have limited education. They may have had distasteful experiences with social service agencies and see schools as part of that experience.