Parent University

SPRING GARDEN – November 24, 2009 Welcome to Parent University aptly named as it's where moms, dads, grandparents, and guardians come to learn how to be better parents. In this computer class that means catching up with the technology that seems second nature to their children.

"Kids are learning before parents and classes like this help parents keep up," said Gregory Moise of Northeast Philadelphia.

"I always had a little fear because I'm like oh I don't know how to use computers and then this was offered in the school district and it was free," said Lindell Walker of West Philadelphia.

That's right free from these computer classes where parents learn how to access their child's progress reports and attendance records to character development where the focus goes beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic.

"We need to equip parents so they can become the first advocate for their children's education," said Karren Dunkley of the School District of Philadelphia.

The classes started this year, yearly 30 are offered at sites all over the school district.

Dunkley explains a series of classes verses a one day workshop really allows parents to learn the material and adapt it to their everyday life.

"It's to really give something meaningful when they don't have access to a teacher they can feel empowered to make the best decision."

Interest in these classes keeps growing. They hope to have 10,000 parents go through this program after next semester. If you want to get involved, all you have to do is click here.

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