For Parents 

 

Delaware Parent Leadership Institute
 

DPLI Application 2010

The Learning Link of Delaware continues the successful programming of the Rodel Foundation’s Delaware Parent Leadership Institute in training parents to better understand school achievement data so they can assist educators in making educational improvements.  Each year, this 60-hour course trains 30 parents and caregivers who have demonstrated leadership potential in their communities and an interest in improving schools and enhancing academic achievement. Participants in the program:
  • Learn from research-based best-practice models to gain greater understanding of student achievement;
  • Design projects to assist educators raise student achievement in their communities;
  • Learn how to become more effective advocates for their children, and for education;
  • Earn a stipend for participating.

Since 2004, more than 100 parent leaders have graduated from the Institute and are now implementing projects that assist educators in raising student achievement.

What parents give . . .

  • Your time-by attending all 6 days (6 days and 3 evenings spread out over 3 months)
  • Homework- there will be homework following each session
  • Understanding-the institute classes are just the beginning, the real work is the project (for which you will receive support and money)
  • Commitment to student achievement and involving all parents

What parents get . . .

  • Skills and knowledge that will make you an expert in your school
  • Expertise that will help you in your job
  • Experience to add to your resume
  • Lots of materials and resources
  • A personal trainer/coach for 2 years
  • Information to help you become a better parent
  • Skills to become a better communicator
  • Chance to make new friends who care about what you care about
  • Opportunity for personal growth
  • Good food
  • 3 free nights of lodging in a resort-like setting
  • CHOCOLATE 

Check out the research:
 

The Family: America’s Smallest School, Education Testing Service, 2007.
 
The Why, What and How of Effective School, Family and Community Partnerships, Dr. Karen L. Mapp, educational education expert, presenting evidence of correlation between family engagement and students’ academic achievement.

Beyond the Bake Sale by Henderson et al., New London Press, 2007.

The Missing Piece of the Proficiency Puzzle, Commissioner’s Parents Advisory Panel, Final Report to the Kentucky Department of Education, June 2007.
 
Research Brief: Linking Student Achievement to School, Family, and Community Involvement, Edvantia, 2005.
 
Beyond Input: Achieving Authentic Participation in School Reform, Harvard Family Research Project, Volume 9,2, 2003.

One Dream, Two Realities: Perspectives of Parents on America's High Schools, Civic Enterprises, 2008.

Find out more information about DPLI graduates' projects and read other important parent news in our Fall 2009 Newsletter. Projects are also highlighted in our DPLI yearbooks:

Yearbooks 
 

2005 Yearbook
2006 Yearbook
2007 Yearbook
2008 Yearbook

DPLI Training Video 
 

Take an inside look into our Parent Leadership Training.  Click here to watch the video.

  
Funding for DPLI is provided in part through a federal Parental Information & Resource Center (PIRC) grant from the U.S. Department of Education