FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wed., Nov. 17, 2004

CONTACT: John Schuster Miami-Dade County Public Schools 305-995-1126

PARENTS WILL BE ABLE TO BE STUDENTS
ONCE AGAIN AT THE PARENT ACADEMY

MIAMI &endash; Miami-Dade County Public Schools is about to begin developing a new class of students: parents.

The School Board approved Wednesday the development of "The Parent Academy" to help parents take an active role in their children's education. Board members will get a complete plan at for The Parent Academy in spring 2005. The Parent Academy is slated to open in fall 2005.

Currently under development, The Parent Academy will focus on building parents' knowledge and skills in three ways:

• Helping parents to understand and navigate M-DCPS' schools and programs to get the highest quality education for their children, including their transition to postsecondary education and work
  
  

• Boosting parents' capacity to assist in their children's learning at home
  
  

• Raising parents' own academic and vocational skills

M-DCPS will partner with higher education academicians, K-12 practitioners, actively engaged parents and the public and private sectors to offer parents the opportunity to enjoy a rich academic environment that will allow them to learn how to help their children succeed. By partnering with higher education institutions, the goal is to use their buildings, facilities and resources to open college classrooms to parents. Plans include offering parents a wide variety of options, including classes to help their child, classes for personal growth, classes for certification and employment, and classes to help parents access resources more easily. Other plans include online, distance learning experience and live chats with experts, demonstration teaching, parent leadership training and a parent media center.

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04-LJG/072/TEL

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