Parents Engaging Parents

School funding in the state of New Jersey can be very complicated, making it difficult for many people to understand how it works. Why some schools receive more funding than others. How money is allocated in that district. What is adjustment aid? The list of questions goes on. In this episode, we aim to help our listeners better understand this topic by inviting a school funding expert, Janellen Duffy to explain the formula used and why certain areas receive the funding they do. We also discuss ways in which the public can help their schools get the funding they need to better support their students and staff. 

Have questions or ideas for future show topics? Feel free to email us at [email protected] or visit us on Facebook or Twitter. PEP always wants to hear from you!

Even in 2019, we deal with issues that should no longer occur. Studies show New Jersey is the 6th most segregated state in the country for black students, 7th for Latinos. These inequities are brought to light last year by a coalition of civil rights groups filing a lawsuit against the state to challenge the state's school system as unconstitutional and request sweeping action to end segregation. Is this intentional? Or a byproduct of some other inequality between races? 

In Part 2 of our segregation series, PEP brings Thomas Johnston and Dr. Namik Sercan together to talk about this controversial topic and what it means to NJ public schools. One being an attorney and the other a CEO of a charter school, they are able to shed light on the lawsuit while maintaining years of experience working in the same education field currently under scrutiny. How can we solve this pressing issue? Let's see what they have to say. 

Want to hear more? Subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for announcements of future podcast releases. Have an idea of a topic you would like PEP to discuss? WEmail us today! 

 

Articles on this topic: 

https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/01/new-jersey-school-segregation-lawsuit-brown-v-board-housing/579373/

https://www.nj.com/education/2018/05/lawsuit_calls_for_statewide_desegregation_of_nj_sc.html

http://bit.ly/2XhuG1Q

Even in 2019, we deal with issues that should no longer occur. Studies show New Jersey is the 6th most segregated state in the country for black students, 7th for Latinos. These inequities are brought to light last year by a coalition of civil rights groups filing a lawsuit against the state to challenge the state's school system as unconstitutional and request sweeping action to end segregation. Is this intentional? Or a byproduct of some other inequality between races? 

In Part 1 of our segregation series, PEP brings Shavar Jeffries and Kyle Rosenkrans together to talk about this controversial topic and what it means to NJ public schools. Being attorneys themselves, they shed light on the lawsuit while maintaining years of experience working in the same education field currently under scrutiny. Shavar with DFER, an education reform group, and Kyle with NJ Children's Foundation and previously KIPP Charter Schools. How can we solve this pressing issue? Let's see what they have to say. 

Want to hear more? Subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for announcements of future podcast releases, including a longer Part 2 of this segregation series in a couple weeks! 

 

Articles on this topic: 

https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/01/new-jersey-school-segregation-lawsuit-brown-v-board-housing/579373/

https://www.nj.com/education/2018/05/lawsuit_calls_for_statewide_desegregation_of_nj_sc.html

http://bit.ly/2XhuG1Q

Join PEP as we speak with two guests on the topic of graduation requirements for our high school students in NJ. With the fiasco currently occurring regarding graduation assessment tests, we need to focus on how to be sure our students are not negatively affected by decisions being made. To learn more about current issues on this topic visit our blog section of the website for multiple articles and fact vs myth.

PEP also discusses other factors influencing graduation and options available to those who do not go the traditional route of graduating. You don't necessarily have to pass the assessment to graduate in NJ. We at PEP want to be sure to provide parents, guardians, and students with all necessary information to make the best decision for each individual student. They are the future so we must support their growth now.

According to the US Department of Education, 56% of American students will be students of color by 2024. Yet today, just 18% of teachers are teachers of color. In today's episode of Parents Engaging Parents, Altorice is joined by two educators to discuss this disparity, how it impacts student outcomes, and what innovative educators are doing to address it.

In 2016, 82% of all public school teachers were white, while 49% of all public school students were non-white. According to the US Department of Education, in 2024 it is anticipated that 56% of all public school students will be minorities. In this week's episode of Parents Engaging Parents, Altorice and his guests will discuss the causes of the racial disparity between educator and students and whether or not this disparity affects student outcomes.

Altorice and his guests will explore how to overcome the many barriers to fathers’ participation in their children’s education such as:

·       The belief that a child's education is a mother's responsibility

·       A tendency for schools to communicate primarily with mothers

·       Divorced or separated mothers having sole custody of children

·       Fathers' demanding work schedules

·       A failure to recognize the importance of becoming involved

·       Literacy and language difficulties

Altorice and his guests will explore the relationship between parents and their children’s school.

•    What does it mean to be “a partner” or to be “fully engaged” in your child’s education?

•    Most parents, especially working parents, have limits on the time they can dedicate to participating and enhancing their child’s education outside of school. What is the level of parental engagement needed (per day, per week, per school year) to produce the optimal educational experience for your student?

•    What areas of your student’s educational experience are considered priorities (overall academic performance, subject specific issues, extracurricular activities and sports, etc.)?

•    How can parents with limited knowledge of subject matter find resources outside of school to improve their child’s educational experience? 

•    Why parents need to be involved in the classroom, school, school governance, and education in addition to being involved in local, state and national issues.

•    How do parents start on the path of becoming fully engaged participants in education reform?

The show will educate listeners on a current hot-button issue, charter schools and district facilities sharing space in Public School Buildings. How it effects parents, students and the schools they attend. This will be an open panel discussion, all are invited to listen and call into join in on the conversation. The goal of the show is to be a place for parents to come and be educated about what is going on in New Jersey within the education reform lane. Callers can call in to listen by phone, computer, and any handheld device and participate with questions, comments and or concerns by calling in and or sending questions directly to the host.