Speaker: LaRonda Thomas, District Parent Champion, Cincinnati Public Schools
Why does parent voice matter to you?
LaRonda Thomas: Parent voice is an important element to the foundation of a child's personal development and educational success. Their voice impacts learning, social-emotional growth, and health and wellness. I know it is a cliché, but the parent, guardian, caregiver are often the first line of developmental support for a child. When they become engaged in their child's learning, everyone benefits: the student, the teacher, the school community and, ultimately, society. Parents' voices are powerful.
Your district has used Possip Bonus Questions (BQs) to get input on everything from curriculum to COVID. What has been the impact of BQs?
LaRonda Thomas: The impact has been tremendous. We, as a district welcomed the opportunity to ask very direct and specific questions, which impact the lives of our families that we serve daily. It is a valuable resource and important decision making opportunities with the parents, guardians, and caregivers' voice at the center.
What is your advice for other districts wanting to learn from families?
LaRonda Thomas: My advice would be to inform other districts to share with their parents, guardians, and caregivers, the spaces that they have created for them to be available to where their voice has impact, and it will have the power to create impact, and establish some positive changes for other parents and students, and the community. Parents are always talking, but the key question that we should ask ourselves, and that's any district: are we listening and providing them (parents) with the necessary resources, tools, opportunities, and platforms to engage their voice? Making them an effective parent, guardian, caregiver to any district in any community in any state.
