Parent University

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Parent University: Public School Primer with Dr. Jim Christensen

50min 34sec

What is The Parent University?

The Parent University offers about two dozen classes each spring and fall, for parents of newborn aged children through young adults.

Examples of past classes offered:

Early Childhood Language Development
Surviving the Teenage Years
Motivating Reluctant Learners to Succeed in School
Pay Less Than the College Sticker Price
Colorado’s Best: Recommended Places and Activities with Kids

Why have The Parent University?

Student disengagement in the classroom has reached an alarming level. One of the major reasons is that parents are disengaged from their child's educational experience. A recent study revealed that one in four parents of high school students never walk through the doors of their child's school for the entire four years they attend: meaning they never attend a back-to-school night, parent-teacher conference, sporting event, school assembly, drama production, much less any volunteer activity.

With society and the family undergoing major changes, families and schools must realize they need each other in partnership. Educators must engage parents in new and meaningful partnerships for learning.

One avenue to meet this need is The Parent University. The intent of The Parent University, through a variety of class offerings, is to encourage, support and inform parents so they can take a more active role in their children's learning, utlimately resulting in increased student engagement in the classroom. Involving parents in training allows teachers and parents to establish a common understanding that can help them work together more effectively.

The Parent University's goal...

Equip parents with needed skill and knowledge that will ultimately result in parent engagement

Research tells us that when schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. In fact, the most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent which that student's family is able to become involved in their children's education at school and in the community.

How does The Parent University work?

All the courses in The Parent University are developed with the advice of parents,administrators, and teachers.
All families in the district receive a program booklet.
Parents register for specific classes and qualified instructors deliver the courses.
Courses are offered over time at different locations.
Two program booklets are developed in a school year. The first classes are offered from September to December and the second offering held from January to May.

Comments from parents who have attended The Parent University workshops:

"I only wish I would have learned this information 10 years ago when my oldest child was starting school."

"It's a good opportunity for parents to learn new ideas in small bites in manageable times."

" Keep doing this! Helping parents understand how to help their children is of tremendous value!"

"These workshops have changed my life"

Here's why The Parent University is successful

Hundreds of parents have registered for classes.
The content, usefulness, and quality of instruction, exceeded expectations of those who attended by 88%.
91% say the workshop they attended met their needs.

Comment from a workshop instructor

If parents are aware of how to support their child in school and at home:

Students get better grades
Students have better attitudes toward school
Students have higher aspirations
Students' growth & development benefit