Ann Kinkor, Coordinator, Parent Education
Row 1: Barbara Sandoval, Angie Papadakis, H. Jennifer Hartman, Dr. Donald Ingwerson (Superintendent), Michaelene Wagner, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, and Rudell S. Freer. Row 2: George Sakelarios, Kathleen Sullivan, Teresa Merino, Sophia Waugh, Ann Kinkor (NNPS Key Contact), and Tim McNulty. Row 3: Dr. Andrew Kennedy, David Flores, Tony Lufrano, Barbara Wilson, and Alice Cunningham. Row 4: John Siler, Bruce Petersen, Paul Gothold, Shelby Carmichael, Isabel Herrbrich, and Ray Guilleaume.
The Educational Programs division of LACOE has been building its program of school, family, and community partnerships for three years with the National Network of Partnership Schools. This unusual unit serves students in special education, juvenile court schools, and alternative education programs. It has established an active Center for Family, School, and Community Partnerships, and has helped more than 20 schools plan and implement programs of more effective connections with the families of students with special needs and unique circumstances.
Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs, Jennifer Hartman, cites many ways that the program has benefited schools, students, and parents, including better communication between home and school; better homework designs in juvenile court and alternative education sites; and improved school climate where “students see parents and teachers as partners.” This is an FSCP program for categorical programs, based on the National Network of Partnership Schools’ model.
The Coordinator notes that the program is helping to improve educators' understanding of student and family culture, concerns, needs, and opinions, and has increased community resources to enrich curriculum and instruction for these special students. Activities include training for school teams, on-going meetings to monitor progress, end-of-year celebrations and sharing activities, many interdepartmental connections with Head Start, Probation Offices, and numerous community agencies and groups that provide services to families and students.
The School, Family, and Community Partnerships program has developed videos and other materials to help schools and others think in new ways about school, family, and community partnerships for all students and all families, including those with special needs. Activities focus on parenting skills, and increasing teachers’ and administrators’ abilities to communicate and work well with families.
One unique activity for the past two years was a “Very Special Prom” which enlisted community and family support to help special needs and juvenile court students have a prom of their own. Gowns and tuxedos were donated, along with hair and make up services, photographers, flowers, transportation, sites, catering, and other services. Said one parent, “I always see my son in a wheel chair and so disabled. Tonight, I could see him use his own inner strengths to enjoy himself. It is a miracle.”
The National Network of Partnership Schools' training on the six keys [six types of involvement] helped LACOE's Educational Partnership build the bridge of parent partnerships which began to reduce mistrust, change attitudes, and utilize individual and collective strengths. For example, parents are helped to move beyond their shattered dreams of their children as they deal with their child's disabilities or incarceration (Type 1), creating activities that link incarcerated young men, their children, parents, and grandparents via literacy activities (Type 4), and finding community resources which help parents and teachers become life-long advocates for and with students with special needs (Type 6)
--Ann Kinkor, Educational Programs in Los Angels County Office of Education (LACOE)