Parents, Communities, and Chicago Public Schools: A Promising Partnership
Long-struggling Chicago Public Schools may find promise in the prospect of partnering with parents and community organizations. Research has shown that parental and community involvement yields tremendous benefits for under-resourced schools, students, parents, and communities. And the concept has legs: all major mayoral candidates back some version of the community and parental partnership model.
Chicago Appleseed recently conducted extensive interviews and research on the impact of parental and community partnership with schools. The results were clear: parent, family, and community engagement improves academic achievement and the community itself, without overly burdening existing resources. Schools that encourage family involvement both at and outside of school see higher graduation and college attendance rates, reduced alcohol and drug abuse, and less gang involvement. When schools make available their facilities for community use, community members take pride in those facilities, leading to greater support the school as a whole. And by collaborating with community organizations that are not restricted by test score mandates, schools can meet critical educational and curricular goals.
The study also concluded that successful implementation requires a school-wide effort and structure in support of community and parental engagement. That’s why Chicago Appleseed has developed a guide for schools and community interested in improving parental and community involvement with schools. In the coming months, Chicago Appleseed will continue advocating for parental and community involvement in schools and seek ways to implement those goals.
Three of the leading Chicago mayoral candidates acknowledge the critical need for parental and community involvement in our public schools. Rahm Emmanuel recommends that the Assistant Principal role be replaced with a “Director of Family and Community Engagement.” Carol Moseley Braun believes that “the heart of successful schools is parental and community involvement.” And Gery Chico proposes placing a “Parent Academy” and “Parent Advocate General” in all schools, as well as opening schools to the community during non-school hours.
With mayoral candidates prioritizing community and parental partnerships, now is the time to push harder for public support of this efficient, effective approach to improving the educational experience of Chicago’s youth. But the mayor cannot stand alone. If you are a parent, community organization, school administrator, or teacher interested in learning more about benefiting from greater community involvement, please contact Chicago Appleseed.