April 29, 2009 — A "Parent University" on St. Croix offering free seminars with tips and tools for parenting challenges is turning out to be popular.
Parent University is a series of informational workshops being put on at the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) by the V.I. Department of Education for parents, grandparents and caretakers of children.
"Parent University is an environment where you can obtain information about issues affecting you as a parent, exchange ideas with parenting experts and visit with other parents throughout the community to network and provide a support system," said Janet Brow, community relations director for the St. Croix school district. "There is no charge and no grades or tests are given for the classes. Just come with an open mind, willing to engage and obtain information."
This is the first year of the program, which is funded by federal Title V grant money, Brow said. There are similar parenting programs in many stateside districts, but this is the first time for the territory, she said. Title V gives the U.S. Department of Education funds for local educational agencies to implement promising educational-reform programs and school-improvement programs based on scientifically based research, especially ones aimed at improving school, student and teacher performance.
"We know parenting is a very rewarding but challenging job," Brow said Wednesday. "We are working to help build strong parents and strong families, because parents are an important part of the educational process."
There are courses on understanding how schools operate, one called "I love you and the answer is still no," one on issues specifically related to raising boys and another aimed at getting parents to support their children in extracurricular activities. Other offerings include dropout prevention, finding a good place for your child to do homework, how to help prepare for federal AYP testing, and talking about sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
The first session of the program ran from March 24 to April 15, with four half-hour classes two nights a week. In something of a reversal of roles, for graduation young children packed the St. Croix Educational Complex auditorium and watched their parents march and dance down the aisle in caps and tassels to the music of the Complex Quelbe Band as Gov. John deJongh Jr., Education Commissioner La Verne Terry, senators and other territorial officials offered up good wishes and praise.
Out of 175 St. Croix parents who signed up, 53 completed the course, seven of whom were fathers, Brow said. Many others said they were enthusiastic about the plan but couldn't attend the entire time because of work or other conflicts, and said they would like to come back.
"We expect many of them to come and complete the program, so there may be twice or three times as many graduating next time," she said.
Organizers will add subjects so those who have already gone through can come back for a greater variety of more advanced classes, she said. Knowing they have a lot on their plate, Education is making it as easy as possible for parents to participate.
"We offer free transportation, free childcare and a snack," she said.
Though the program is new, Education will follow up over time on the program's effectiveness. Parents are given an evaluation form after each class, and the students will be tracked as they move up into high school to see if grades and attendance are improved to any degree, she said.
The next session begins May 5 and runs to May 20, so interested parents should apply right away. Classes take place 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at CTEC. Applications are available at all public schools or at the Department of Education.
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