School Smarts is a parent engagement program with an operating principle of inclusion — reaching across all parent groups and bringing them together in support of their common interest in helping children succeed.
PARENT ENGAGEMENT IS KEY TO STUDENT SUCCESS
Parent engagement is a longstanding focus of PTA. Research shows that parent engagement in education improves students’ success in school, across all socioeconomic groups. Through the generous support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the School Smarts Parent Engagement Program began as a pilot in 2010 to support these efforts. Today, the program is available statewide and helps parents from all backgrounds advocate for issues that are most important to their children and schools.
The program offers a seven-session parent academy that educates and empowers parents. Topics include understanding the education system, communicating effectively, advocating for a quality education, and the importance of parent involvement. The program’s operating principle is inclusion and the curriculum is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Tagalog and Vietnamese. Each session includes instructional art activities that reinforce key lessons, which helps build a sense of community and underscores the importance of a complete education that includes the arts.
Contact programsupport@capta.org to find out how to get involved!