MEDIA ADVISORY: African-American Engagement to be Focus of ϱ Conference

ϱ ISD will host its African-American Parent Involvement Conference, “Education in the Era of Change” on Saturday. The goal of this conference is to provide information and inspiration to families and staff who work with the district’s African-American students. 

Who: Speakers include

  • , original freedom writer
  • , college and career planning expert
  • , national education author
  • , national school transformer
  • , special education expert

What: The African-American Parent Engagement Conference includes sessions on

  • Being an advocate for your child 
  • College and career readiness
  • AP/gifted and special education classes
  • How to prevent diabetes 
  • How to talk to police
  • My Brother’s Keeper

When: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, April 25

Where: LBJ Early College High School, 7309 Lazy Creek Drive

Background: The Department of State and Federal Accountability Project Director Mary Thomas has been working with parents and community members to help improve engagement with African-American families by providing insight into ϱ. Research indicates that when families are involved, grades and attendance improve and students are more likely to graduate from high school.

For more information please contact Dr. Mary Thomas at 512-414-3997 or mary.thomas@austinisd.org.