Building Public Will for Literacy by Igniting Parent and Family Engagement

Too often “parent engagement” is treated as a checked box rather than a strategic and essential pillar for early literacy outcomes. Those on the front lines of addressing the literacy crisis know that sustainable change only happens when parents have a seat at the table. Student outcomes transform when parents and families are organized, informed, and empowered. In this session, we will be inspired by three community movements where advocates are bridging the gap between school districts and homes to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive with reading. We will also learn from Organizer Zero, a national organization, about the five key areas of capacity building that support grassroots parent advocacy.