Innovate Parent Leaders in Los Angeles have been actively organizing for academic recovery to address learning loss for students in LAUSD since 2020. On November 14, 2022, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho participated in a community conversation with parents, centered on academic recovery for Black and Brown students.
Parent Leader in Southeast L.A., Norma Diaz commended Carvalho for presenting strategies to improve student achievement and close opportunity gaps in the 2022-26 Strategic Plan.
“The promises in your Strategic Plan have filled us with hope and excitement over a new future and possibilities for our children. We want to make sure every parent in the district understands the promises inside your Strategic Plan, because we can help you make sure it is being implemented. We want to create…an easy-to-understand guide for parents that will help ensure the strategies are being implemented in each school.” – Norma Diaz, Innovate Parent Leader
Innovate Parent Leader, Norma Diaz with LAUSD Supt. Carvalho
Superintendent Carvalho listened to parents’ priorities and committed to developing a Family Guide in collaboration with parents. Then in April 2023, Innovate began working in partnership with families and LAUSD to design a Family Guide that’s rooted in parent voice.
Between May and June 2023, Innovate and LAUSD hosted listening sessions where families and school principals looked closely at the Strategic Plan’s commitments on academic excellence, joy and wellness, and engagement and collaboration. Families and school leaders in attendance were encouraged to uplift their voice and give their essential input on the guide.
LAUSD Families at listening session hosted by Innovate and LAUSD
Now, Jennifer Perla (Director of Research and Policy, Innovate) and Carlos Rodriguez (Director of Organizing in Los Angeles, Innovate) are working with LAUSD’s Division of Communications, Collaboration & Engagement to use input from listening sessions to develop the Family Guide.
Parents must be engaged as partners in order for the district’s Strategic Plan to be successful. We know that when our communities, schools, and families come together, we can help students thrive.
Innovate is proud to work in collaboration with families and the Los Angeles Unified School District to design a guide for families that uplifts parent voice and focuses on helping students thrive. The Family Guide will be published and shared throughout all 1,197 LAUSD schools in Fall 2023.
Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit community organization that builds the capacity of parents and educators working together to create excellent and equitable public schools.