Resources for Parents Interested in School Reform

ACHIEVE Math Works Advocacy Tool Kits

Math Works makes the case that all students—regardless of their plans after graduation—should take rigorous math courses throughout high school. Topics include “All Students Need Advanced Math,” “Advanced Math Equals Career Readiness,” and “Exposing the Myth: Advanced Math Does Not Increase Dropout Rates.”

College Board’s Plan for College

The College Board’s Web site bursts with information for parents and students about how to prepare for college while in high school. It offers an action plan that begins in ninth grade, a college-prep glossary, and articles to help parents and students prepare for college.

“Closing the Achievement Gap—School, Community, Family,” by Tory Read. Connections, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2008.

Successful community-school partnerships are necessary to help young people graduate ready to succeed in life. Learn the key elements of successful community schools.

“Organizing for School Reform: How Communities Are Finding Their Voices and Reclaiming Their Public Schools,” by Kavitha Mediratta, Norm Fruchter, Anne C. Lewis. New York: Institute for Education and Social Policy, 2002.

Sixty-six community groups organized to improve public education in low-performing schools and districts. Learn how they challenged school systems that serve children poorly. The profiles at the end of the article are especially helpful.

“Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement: Partners for Student Success,” by Joni L. Swanson. Principal Leadership 26, 2007.

The Geneseo school district in Illinois implemented the 2010 Initiative, a multiyear plan for all students to graduate with college credit or a vocational certificate. Learn their multistep approach to college and career readiness for all students.

“What Schools Want Parents to Know,” Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement, 2006.

This short report describes effective ways parents can become involved in schools.

College Readiness Begins in Middle School, by George L. Wimberly, and Richard J. Noeth. American College Testing, 2005.

Students should begin planning for college as early as sixth grade. Learn how schools can foster parent involvement and help students through the many steps in postsecondary planning.

Schools Involving Parents in Early Postsecondary Planning, by George L. Wimberly and Richard J. Noeth. American College Testing, 2004.

Beginning no later than middle school, schools should help parents become actively involved in planning for their child’s life after high school. Learn practical ideas that schools can use to deliver useful information to parents, including information on college admission and financial aid.