Implementation

New Approach to Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is the single most important factor leading to success in school for children. The traditional way to generate parent involvement is to seek parent support for their child's learning. We have learned that it is more effective to appeal to the parents as deeply curious people with their own needs to dream, grow and learn.

In Learning Dreams, parents of students who are struggling in school identify and pursue their own learning dreams. Once the parents are making progress on their own learning, they are helped to support their children's education and learning

History

Learning Dreams was developed by Dr. Jerry Stein, now at the University of Minnesota's School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development.

The initial three-year pilot project was implemented in a Minneapolis, Minnesota public housing community. It led to outstanding family and community participation in learning as well as school success for children most in need.

At the conclusion of the pilot project the truancy rate had fallen to zero, and the parents participated in the school at the remarkable rate of 100%. The correlations between this program and positive outcomes at the school generated significant interest in testing the applicability of the model in other communities.