Increasing the Number of Parents Involved
in Our Schools' Programs

Report of Lowndes County, Mississippi Progress
Impact of the MegaSkills Program
by Peggy J. Rogers, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Lowndes County, MS Schools

Introduction and Background

Mississippi ranks 2nd nationally with 28% of children ages 6-11 living in poverty (US 2000 Census) and only 49% of 8th graders proficient in reading (MS Department of Education). Furthermore, studies show that students who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to drop out of school. Ranking 6th nationally, Mississippi's dropout rate averages 27% (US 2000 Census). Clearly, Mississippi's economically disadvantaged children need academic intervention and parent involvement.

Lowndes County is located in North Central Mississippi. It is the largest accredited school system in Lowndes County with a total enrollment of more than 5000 thousand students with a 96.25% attendance rate and 42 % eligible for free lunch. Our total per pupil expenditure is $5,410. Lowndes County Schools has a Title I allocation that exceeds a million dollars serving over 49% of the students. Seven of the nine schools in the district are served by Title I.

Lowndes County Schools started the MegaSkills program approximately twelve (12) years ago. Its first program was a district wide workshop with representatives from each school attending the session. From that session, the district, funded by Title I, employed teachers to also serve as parent coordinators. The parent coordinators were required to have workshops at each school to train and empower parents to use the skills to empower their children. Parent coordinators conducted workshops with parents, four (4) sessions per year, that included each of the MegaSkills characteristics for parent involvement.

The MegaSkills program has been available at three elementary, three middle schools and three high schools in Lowndes County. Over the year and based on the sign-in sheets and teacher visitation log, parent involvement has increased by more than 100 parents per school. The schools' enrollments range from 200 (smallest) to 1500 (largest).

Family reading nights and family MegaSkills nights generated more participation. The participation depended on the kinds of activities and materials given to parents and their child (ren).

Impact

Over the twelve years Lowndes County increased the school success of children and the participation of parents in the schools' academic programs. The lowest academic achieving students have progressed with this program. Teachers and staff have reported that low achieving children whose parents participated in the program showed improvement in such school achievement indicators as grades, tests, and reduction of disciplinary incidents.

The program has strengthened communities and parent involvement. Due in large part to the MegaSkills parent workshop program, Lowndes County School District has reported increased parental involvement by more than 10% each year. Based on the 2002-2003 report card for Lowndes County Schools, fewer students are in the minimal proficient level of distribution and more students are in the proficient level of distribution. None of our schools are in school improvement. The graduation rate has increased to more than 75%.

When Lowndes County parent coordinators work with parents, they know how important it is that they work with them eye-to-eye and knee-to-knee. The district is proud of its parents and know that without their assistance the program cannot succeed. The MegaSkills program does not work in isolation and it is incorporated into the total school program.

Lowndes County schools have experienced first-hand the positive differences the MegaSkills Parent Program makes. Feedback from workshop evaluations reflects that 100% of the parents report positive results from the parents and community.

Quality of Program Trainings: Ratings from members and school staff have proved positive with evaluation ratings reflecting good to excellent each year based on individual training evaluations and mid and end of year surveys. The hours spent in Improving Parent Communication have been beneficial in the Lowndes County School District.

Summary

MegaSkills Parent Program has made positive changes for students, teachers, parents and communities for over twelve years. The program helps students read better and strengthens parent participation in schools and communities. The MegaSkills Parent Program is a win-win for everyone. Lowndes County Schools believe that parents are the most important teachers in a child's life and play a crucial role in their child's learning process. Lowndes Schools are constantly training personnel on the techniques of the MegaSkills program.

______________________

February 2004
Peggy Rogers, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Lowndes County, MS, Schools
Tele: (662) 244-5000
Fax: (662) 244-5040
Email: Progers@mde.k12.ms.us