Parent Buy-In for Single Gender Education

1
Parent Buy-In for Single Gender Education

• Jo Anne Rodkey
• Retired Principal
• Woodward Avenue Elementary

2
Setting the stage for success

• Create a school climate in which parents feel
  welcomed and involved.
• Establish a communication link with parents so
  that they feel informed.
• Develop a relationship with parents so that they
  trust that you have the best interest of their
  children at heart.

3
Dont make it stressful Its a choice!

• Are there groups that need to be informed and
  convinced about the value of single gender
  education before you present it to parents?
• teachers and staff
• School Advisory Board
• district staff
• School Board
• media

4
Develop a Plan

• How do you inform parents about the single gender
  as a choice for their child?
• What information do you want to share with
  parents to help them make an informed choice?

5
Challenges

• What information will make the biggest impact on
  parents to convince them of the benefits of
  single gender education?
• How do you provide information to parents who do
  not attend meetings?
• How will you handle parents who are resistant to
  the information provided?

6
Shifting opinions

• rumor
• judgmental
• defensiveness
• opposition

• honesty
• mutual respect
• active listening
• collaboration

7
CHOICE IS A GOOD THING

• Assure parents that whatever choice they choose,
  their child will have a quality educational
  program.
• Stay focused on the purpose of single gender
  education improved student performance and
  greater success in school.