Heard on the radio: PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENT INVOLVEMENT GROWS

Adolfo Guzman-Lopez | KPCC

Sept. 30, 2009 | A Southland state legislator leads a hearing Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. in Los Angeles to encourage more parent participation in public education. KPCC’s Adolfo Guzman-Lopez has the story.

Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: State Senator Gloria Romero says parents these days are more likely to organize protests against cuts in the education budget than bake sales. Still, she adds, some parents still feel unwelcome at their childrens’ schools.

Gloria Romero: Schools need to invite parents and encourage parents and make it a warm atmosphere for parents to exercise their rights.

Guzman-Lopez: She wants to involve more parents – not because she wants to start a parent revolution.

Romero: We know from the research, from academic research, when parents get involved that student outcomes are better, we know that there’s increased student achievement, better school attendance, higher graduation rates.

Guzman-Lopez: She’s invited PTA members and parent leadership trainers to discuss the growth and challenges of parent involvement.

Note: Romero’s hearing is scheduled to start at Rosemont Elementary School in Echo Park, Wednesday night at 6.