This panel discussed how parent advocacy can make a difference in a child's education; why parents should pay attention to public policy (school boards, state, national); whether the No Child Left Behind law was successful in creating rights for parents and the general public to be informed and engaged in schools and communities; what early intervention services are available to get special help and support to Pennsylvania's youngest infants, pre-schoolers and their parents; the roles and responsibilities of parents with regard to their children in schools; and much more. The panel included:
• Ron Cowell, President of The Education Policy and Leadership Center;
• Corinna Vecsey Wilson, PCN Host of the "Focus on Education" programs;
• Deborah Dunstone, President, Pennsylvania PTA;
• Sylvia P. Simms, Founder and President of PARENT POWER and Commissioner, School Reform Commission, The School District of Philadelphia;
• Bonita Allen, Former Member, Pennsylvania Title I State Parent Advisory Council and now a SPAC Parent Involvement in Education Consultant; and
• Kurt A. Kondrich, M.Ed., Chair, Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating Council and Director of Family and Community Outreach, Early Intervention Specialists
This EPLC Focus on Education Program initially aired on September 11, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. EST, re-aired on December 11, 2013, and re-aired several more time each month, on Pennsylvania Cable Network.
Visit eplc.org for resources on parent and community involvement in education.
