Virtual School Tours: A Tool for Authentic Parent Engagement

July 3, 2013

1 www.dcschoolreform.org

Session Agenda1. Panelist Introductions

2. Discussion: Parent Engagement and Perspectives of School Quality

3. Virtual School Tours: How to Take Them, Relevant Materials and the Production Process

4. Take Some Virtual School Tours

5. Additional Resources

2 www.dcschoolreform.org

Panelist Introductions

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David Pickens, DC School Reform Now

Shantelle Wright, Achievement Preparatory Academy

Mecha Inman, The SEED School of Washington, D.C.

Emerald Becker, DC School Reform Now

Discussion: Parent Engagement and Perspectives of School Quality

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Exercise: Assessing School QualityWhat parents look for when assessing a school for

quality.How they go about assessing school quality.

Virtual School ToursProvide greater access to make comparisons

about school quality.They were developed as a response to an

identified need.

How to Take a Virtual School Tour

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Teaser5-6 minutes highlighting each school

component.

Full-length chaptersDeep dives into each component.

Play-allComplete video of all full-length chapters.

Take a Virtual School Tour

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Achievement Preparatory AcademyPublic charter school founded in 2008.Among the highest performing

students in DC.87 percent free or reduced

lunch rate.Expanding to serve Pre-K-8

next year.

Production of Virtual School Tours

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CostRaw and authentic footage = inexpensive

TimeRefined concept = fast production

School PartnersThe project is not provocative so schools

are generally eager participate.

Take a Virtual School Tour

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The SEED School of Washington, D.C.Public charter school founded in 1998.Over 90 percent of all SEED

graduates have been acceptedto four-year colleges and universities.

5-day boarding program.77 percent free or reduced lunch rate.

Materials for Virtual School Tours

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School Visit ChecklistPrincipal Interview ChecklistTeacher and Classroom Visit ChecklistVirtual School Tours Checklist

All these materials are free to download at: www.dcschoolreform.org/hqsc-materials

Take More Virtual School Tours

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Achievement Preparatory AcademyCesar Chavez PrepDC Prep Edgewood Middle CampusKIPP DC AIM AcademyThe SEED School of Washington, D.C.Two RiversWashington Latin

Conclusion

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Go take more Virtual School Tours on your phone, tablet or computer.

We are filming more schools and expanding to DC public elementary schools next year.

Consider the ways in which your district or city engages parents in the school choice process.

Additional Resources

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DC School Reform Now: www.dcschoolreform.org

Interested in creating something similar in your district or city? We are happy to support you.

You can also follow us on: @dcschoolreform www.facebook.com/dcschoolreform bit.ly/LinkedInDCSRN

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