When you head up an organization that's built on the importance of involving parents in education, you're likely to have some solid ideas on how to help end the achievement gap.

"Education is everybody's business," said Maria DeWald, president of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers. "We want to bring more people into the school community."

DeWald hit a responsive chord with two dozen educators and community members during a workshop on parent and family engagement at NYSUT's recent symposium on ending the gap.

"It's not enough to sign up parents on open-school night," she said. "They have to be called and invited."

DeWald and co-presenter Penny Leask, immediate past state PTA president, stressed the benefits resulting from parental involvement:

• higher grades;
• better test scores;
• improved attendance; and
• completed homework.

"As community leaders, we need to walk in parents' shoes," Leask said. "We have to continually educate ourselves on how we keep parents involved."

If all the parents are "at the Laundromat on Saturday or at church on Sunday," she added, "we need to have the meetings where they are."

One question that provoked helpful discussion was the topic of grandparents raising school children. Besides the obvious generational differences, many grandparents are unprepared for the work involved in active learning.

Carlos Garcia, an Albany-area community and union activist, offered suggestions that can work in many communities.

"Go to your church and ask your pastor for assistance. College students and future teachers may be available. Perhaps an active group of local professionals can help in the process," Garcia said.

Participants also spoke about the importance of each school building providing a welcoming atmosphere for parents.

While acknowledging the need for tighter security than in previous eras, they stressed the need for welcoming faces, voices and familiar languages.

DeWald offered other suggestions to stimulate a greater parental presence, such as offering GED or parenting classes at night.

All families need to be included, regardless of nationality, heritage, language or sexual orientation, she said.

For more PTA recommendations, go to www.pta.org/.

- Bernie Mulligan