Starting Fresh in Low Performing Schools: Engaging Parents and the Community in Starting Fresh
National Association of Charter School Operators
2007

Abstract:


The Starting Fresh in Low-Performing Schools series provides district leaders with a blueprint for making deep and lasting change – the kind that is likely to lead to improvements in our most struggling schools. This section of the series encourages the idea that schools can start fresh through the involvement of parents, teachers, and other community members. To effectively engage parents, the report recommends publicly shifting the burden of proof to those who would oppose change, listening publicly, privately and incorporating the good ideas, cultivating leadership among supporters of successful change, and disempowering naysayers.