Parent U-TurnParents Gathering and Sharing Information

for Quality Schooling

Who are we? And why are we here? Mary Johnson Emma Street Toimicia Deffebaugh Angelita Andrade Valerie Muñoz

These are our stories...

Mary Johnson

Parent, Leader, Activist, Politician I want to improve my skills as a woman

organizer in a male dominated field. I want to become a better advocate for the

kids in our community. I want to empower parents for students’

rights.

Emma Street

Parent, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Activist

I hope to leave a legacy behind for future generations.

Toimicia Deffeeaugh

Parent, Activist I want to help parents get involved in their

children’s education. I want to give children positive guidance.

Angelita Andrade

Parent, Activist I want to walk my children through the

journey of their education and show them that I care about their future.

I won’t lose the faith before we make changes.

Valerie Muñoz

Parent, Activist I have many children going to public school

and it worries me that they won’t be prepared for their future.

I won’t give up until I see a good change.

Problem/Issue/Question

South High has many problems that need to be addressed by administrators, parents and community members. These problems include low test scores, low attendance, low teacher/child ratio, and a low percentage of teachers with credentials. Also, parent voices are not heard at South High.

How do the conditions of LA schools affect students academically and socially?

How can we change our community in order to promote a safe and effective educational environment for all students?

Methods

Surveys Parent observation check-list Observations Interviews with Principals Focus Groups Talked to parents at home schools

Sample Survey Question

Do you think your student is receiving an education based on state standards?

Findings: Do you think your student is receiving an education based on state standards?

Yes = 34 No = 44 Don’t Know = 22

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10

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40

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Yes No Don't know

Do you think your student is receiving an education based on state standards?

Sample Survey Questions

Does your child’s school inform parents about state standards?

Findings: Does your child’s school inform parents about state standards?

Yes = 35 No = 50 Don’t Know = 17

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10

20

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Yes No Don't Know

Does your child's school inform parents about state standards?

Does your child'sschool inform parentsabout state standards?

Sample Survey Questions

Is your child’s teacher fully credentialed?

Findings: Is your child’s teacher fully credentialed?

Yes = 32 No = 22 Don’t Know = 49

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Yes No Don't Know

Is your child's teacher fully credentialed?

Sample Survey Questions

Is the bathroom open and clean for students to use all day?

Findings: Is the bathroom open and clean for students to use all day?

Yes = 45 No = 50 Don’t Know = 9

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Yes No Don't Know

Is the bathroom open and clean for students to use all day?

Parent Findings in Summary

Parents say that the A - G curriculum is not being taught. Students say they have no access to counselors. Parents report that facilities, bathrooms, and food are poor across the

board. Parents report that schools do not welcome parent involvement. Parents and students are intimidated by teachers and administrators. Parents don’t know what a quality education is. Parents aren’t informed about California state standards. Parents don’ t know if their child’s teacher has a credential or not. Parents don’t know their rights or how to hold a school accountable. Schools don’t inform students on college preparation.

Process Findings

Parents are too busy to stop and fill out survey

Parents are afraid/intimidated by surveys. Surveys and research are foreign to them.

Principals and schools are reluctant to answer questions and talk to parents.

Principals do not hold themselves accountable.

Moving Ahead

Sample School Accountability Report Card (SARC): Teachers Degrees: Bachelor’s, Masters/Above, Experience: School, District, New, 1-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10/more

years. Teaching within area of degree: Teacher Average Daily Attendance: Teacher Identified as Failing:

Teacher Turn Over Rate: Parent Union Parent Curriculum Training Town Hall Presentation Letter to Superintendent Dr. Harold Cebrun

What We Learned: In Summary

Credentialed teachers leave. State standards are not taught. Students aren’t learning and aren’t prepared

for college. There is not a lot of parent involvement. A - G are not being taught.