The Rodel Foundation of Delaware recently graduated 27 parents from its first Delaware Parent Leadership Institute.
During 60 hours of training over three months, participants learned about Delaware’s public education system, received information about current education issues, and were trained in leadership and communication skills.
They were required to complete homework assignments after each session, as well as projects in their local schools involving other parents.
“The goal is to get these parents to become heavily involved with the school community as a whole, not just with their own kids,” said Shannon Griffin, the institute’s program director.
According to the Wilmington, Del.-based foundation, the program, which will be offered annually, is open to all parents and other caregivers of Delaware public school students.
Ms. Griffin said the program succeeded in recruiting parents who traditionally have difficulty being involved in public education, including single and low-income parents. The first group, which completed the program Nov. 20, came from four districts in Wilmington and its suburbs.
Participants must apply months in advance and are selected on criteria such as leadership potential, interest and participation in public education, and commitment to attend all sessions and to remain involved with the Delaware Parent Leadership Institute.
