This series of seven profiles summarizes some of the key policy and implementation challenges that have been confronted and addressed by district superintendents, teachers, school leaders, and others working to transform struggling schools across the nation. The profiles are designed to provide community-based groups, educators, and other advocates with examples of alternatives to school closings and to inform discussions in their own...
community organizing and engagement
The "achievement gap" — the ongoing racial inequality in public school education — has proven stubbornly persistent. Schools have employed a variety of measures in an attempt to reduce this academic divide; the emergence of education organizing as a school reform tactic offers a promising alternative, outlined in AISR's Center for Education Organizing publication...
Through the voices of parents, this film chronicles fifteen years of effective parent organizing for education reform in New York City – organizing that has stopped budget cuts, increased school funding, and led to the adoption of a citywide lead teacher program. The goal of Parent Power is to provide an example of successful education organizing to urban-based community groups looking for organizational inspiration and practical guidance in their...
This downloadable toolkit is designed to help organizations and individuals who are hosting screenings of the film Parent Power to plan and host a screening, as well as jumpstart community conversations and actions aimed at improving their schools and districts. The toolkit includes ideas for framing your event as well as tips on publicizing the screening, moderating post-screening discussions, and partnering with other groups to host the...
This downloadable guide is designed to enhance community groups’ use of the film Parent Power in their own education organizing. The guide outlines successful organizing strategies that are depicted in the film, offers up questions for groups to consider when formulating their own organizing strategies and goals, and answers frequently asked questions that may come up while viewing the film.
...