Ready Schools Miami Learning Showcase

During the 2010-2011 school year, five Public Allies Americorps volunteers worked with Ready Schools Miami by supporting the Community Involvement Specialists (CIS) in Title 1 Schools of Miami-Dade County. The Allies were charged with leading professional development for the CIS, planning and executing parent programming in the schools, and improving parent engagement in the school system. In each region, parent engagement increased from FCAT pep rallies to parent focus groups that encouraged parents to begin service projects in their communities geared towards developing healthy schools and strong communities. An example of a project that was executed is a parent newsletter that demystifies specific acronyms used in the school system, which parents recognized as something that prohibited them from being more engaged in their child’s school.

The year culminated with a day meant to celebrate the successes of CIS, teachers, administrators and educators alike at the Ready Schools Miami Learning Showcase on May 21^st, 2011 at Miami Beach Senior High. Educators from across Miami-Dade County came together to share best practices, and the CIS that were supported by Allies in each region presented parent engagement techniques to the whole district.

Catalyst Miami looks forward to a second semester and future years to continue to serve as an agent for positive parent involvement in the schools, as an important strategy in larger efforts to improve student outcomes.

Listen in on a Podcast for highlights of the event.