The document discusses a program at South High School focused on enhancing parental involvement in student success through community-based conferences and student-led portfolio presentations. It highlights efforts to celebrate student achievements and create networking opportunities for parents while addressing the achievement gap in metro area schools. The initiative includes partnerships for resources and support, such as translators and interdisciplinary team involvement.

1. Reaching Out to Parents
in a Way that Works

2. Reaching Out to Parents in a Way that Works
A New Idea for Involving Parents in Student Success
Diane Bradley-Lewis, South High School, Minneapolis

3. South High School Community
Conferences

4. A Need Presents Itself…
Black Latino Asian Native American White
52
44
26
10 9
3 1 5
1 0
My 10th gr Open Their
Students attendance at
school
conferences

5. Moving the Conferences into the
Community
Student led
portfolio
presentation
“show
what
you
know”

6. Showcasing Student Work
o Families are able
to see what their
students are
learning
o Students identify
standards and
articulate progress
towards mastery

7. Food and Conversation
Creating
opportunities
for staff to
get to know
the parents
in a more
relaxed and
neutral
environment

8. Celebrating our Students’ Success
Networking for parents
Fellowship with your neighbors
Conversations about how to better serve “our” students’ needs

9. The Results…

10. Parent and Staff Solutions
o Planners provided for all 10th graders
o Tech support from media specialists for
families
o Interdisciplinary team involvement
o Counseling office coordinating with 10th
grade team
o Somali translator, Spanish translator to be
provided by school

11. PARTNERS IN CLOSING THE GAP
A project of the Human Rights Center at
the University of Minnesota

12. Partners in Closing the Gap
o Project aims to close the Achievement Gap in
metro area schools (grades 6-12)
o Teachers pair with Community Volunteer to address
Human Rights and Racial Healing in the Classroom
o Students design and implement Community
Action Projects to expand classroom learning
(grants up to $1000)
o More than 1,700 students reached in the classroom
in 2010-11 school year
o Project continues for 2011-12 school year

13. PARTNERS IN CLOSING THE GAP
A project of the Human Rights Center at the University of
Minnesota
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI5o1fa7zvw