09/03/07 Honest words from the Department of Education
I added a new resource to the Virtual Library today.
Story that only appears unrelated ....
A few years ago, I was on the board of a non-profit organization that had, as they all seem to do at times, a split between people who wanted to work toward the goals for which it was established, and people who wanted a nice title, expenses for their own travel and the chance to boss other people around.
Several of us from the 'do-er' side of the board went out to dinner together, had a great time planning activities we could do over the next year and just generally enjoying one another's company. The next day, one of those from the 'other' side of the board came up to me and complained,
"I am on the board, too. You can't have a meeting without inviting me!"
Before I could answer, another board member replied.
"It wasn't a board meeting. It was a group of friends getting together - and we don't like you!"
The connection between this story and the Department of Education is the new addition to the Parent Shelf in our Virtual Library on Engaging Parents in Education. I expected it to be more of the same old stuff. Parents don't come to school because they don't have Internet access and don't read your website, blah, blah.
The truth is, many parents don't come to school because they flat don't like you (the school staff, that is).
Imagine my surprise when they confronted the issues head on. Parents often don't come to school because they have had bad experiences at the school, they don't like schools and they distrust school staff. Here is a guide that addresses the real challenges facing schools on reservations and in other disadvantaged communities.
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