PARENT EDUCATION SUMMITS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Recognizing the critical role parents can play as their child’s “first teacher,” the Too Important to Fail Parent Education Summits are a grassroots parents’ engagement effort organized by the Tavis Smiley Foundation to inform parents and the community about educational initiatives and programs, family and school partnerships, and school district resources in seven cities across the U.S. The key theme of this effort is the need to increase and support parent involvement in their children’s education.
SUMMIT OBJECTIVE:
The objective is to encourage and educate parents about their child’s right to education so they can make the kinds of choices needed throughout their sons' and daughters' educational development.
SUMMIT SESSIONS:
Discussions will provide parents with in-home literacy and strategies to support homework, information on community resources for school-age children, especially boys ages 5-17. Parents also will learn about the importance of grade-level reading and what they can do if their child is not reading at grade level. Education experts, business, community and non-profit leaders will share critical information designed to help parents understand the barriers to high performance and learn to implement strategies to ensure their child’s academic success.
IMPACT:
Our goal is to impact hundreds of parent participants representing different schools across the country. Parent engagement is a key component to the success of a student and their school. This is an opportunity for parents to network, connect, get informed and empowered with the tools they need to be champions for their children’s success.
WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE SUMMITS BE HELD?
The summit cities to date are Houston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago and Montgomery, Ala. The first summit will kick off with Los Angeles on Oct. 29. Click here to register. Check back here for the dates and locations for the other cities. Or send us an email to get on the summit announcement list at
WHAT IS THE COST?
Free. There is no cost! Our children are just Too Important to Fail. The high school drop out rate is far too high for our youth. Together we can implement the solutions that work. Don't miss this FREE opportunity to get the tools you need to help your child advance and perform well in school.
WHAT ARE THE KEY SUMMIT TOPICS?
Parenting Matters – As the first teacher in your child’s life you can instill in them a love of learning and set up your home atmosphere as their first classroom.
Absenteeism – Studies show 1 in 10 kindergartners will miss a month of school every year. By 6th grade chronic absence can predict high school dropout rates. Learn the impacts of absenteeism.
Third Grade Learning – A study found that in the first three years of life low-income children hear as many as 30 million fewer words than higher income children. A child’s vocabulary at age 3 can predict third grade reading achievement. Do you know where your child stands?
Summer Brain Drain – Students can make significant gains in reading proficiency during the summer, but a lack of participation in summer enrichment programs can put them woefully behind.
Father Figures & Mentors – For African American boys in particular growing up without fathers or male role models can be detrimental to their achievement. Find out how to fill that gap for your son.
Healthy Kids Equals Smart Kids – A healthy diet that starts with a nutritious breakfast makes all the difference in a child’s ability to stay focused throughout the school day.
Teachers Count – This session will focus on developing a partnership with your child’s teachers to understand what goes on in the classroom and how you can reinforce learning at home.
Microsoft is Hiring: Will Your Child Be Qualified? – The jobs of the future require competency in math and science. Our students are falling behind in these skill areas. Get information on how to help your son or daughter compete.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Parents of students in all grade levels should attend but especially those with children in grade and middle school. These are the critical years where children either push forward or fall behind. Educators who want to help empower parents should attend. Business, community leaders and non-profit leaders interested in learning are invited as well.
KICK OFF SUMMIT – LOS ANGELES OCT. 29
The first summit will be held Oct. 29 at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. To register click here.You will leave this site for the registration website.
Los Angeles Parent Education Summit Agenda
8:00 am – 8:45 am Registration Open, Free Breakfast and Networking
9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome - Tavis Smiley
9:30 am – 10:00 am Opening Session “Too Important to Fail: Our Children”
10:00 am – 10:50 am Concurrent Workshop Sessions
11:00 am – 11:50 am Concurrent Workshop Sessions
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Closing Session – Door Prizes & Parent Giveaways
CONTACT US:
Contact the Tavis Smiley Foundation at 323-290-1888. Or email us at Visit our website at
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