Parent University

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What is Parent University?

Parent University is a learning experience specifically designed to help Boston Public Schools parents increase their understanding of how children learn and develop; what their children should be learning; how to help their children get what they need to succeed; and how to bring other parents together to work for school improvement. Additionally, Parent University offers elective classes such as financial management, health and wellness, English as a Second Language (ESL), and computer literacy.

What will I learn?

Parent University learning sessions are focused on four areas that support parents in ways that empower them to become leaders and advocates for student learning and school improvement.

•    Parents are Teachers – provides a clearer understanding of how children grow and learn and the teaching & learning approaches in BPS

•    Parents are Advocates – builds capacity to advocate for their child, understand the standards and expectations for learning and support learning at home

•    Parents are Leaders – provides the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to assume leadership roles in their schools and community

•    Parents are Learners – provides the opportunity to build upon their own skills for personal and professional growth

How does Parent University work?

Parent University offers three day-long Saturday learning sessions during the academic year: one each in October, January, and May, with additional sessions offered throughout the year at schools, libraries and community centers. Parent University is free for all BPS parents. In June, there will be a Parent University graduation for parents who have completed a set of learning sessions.

Session 1: Saturday, October 31 2009 at UMass Boston

Session 2: Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Northeastern University

Session 3: Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Northeastern University Curry Student Center (Registration opens March 9, 2010)
Online registration link coming soon!

For more information

Please see the Parent University handbook posted below for more information and course descriptions, or contact the Office of Family & Student Engagement by phone at 617-635-1683 or by email at parentuniversity@bostonpublicschools.org.

Press release: School’s in session … for BPS parents!

Press release: Boston parents go back to school