Beyond Conflict: Engaging Parents in Schools

In this episode of "Sparking Equity, " host Pedro Noguera, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, focuses on attacks on schools around issues such as mask mandates and critical race theory -- and how parents and caregivers can be involved in schools in positive ways that contribute to their children's success. Pedro talks with Carl Cohn, esteemed educator and former member of the California State Board of Education and Joann Mickens, executive director of Parents for Public Schools, a national advocacy organization in Jackson, Mississippi.   He also interviewed Tina Certain, at the time board chair of the Alachua County Public Schools in Gainesville Florida, who was able to beat back efforts by  Gov.  Ron DeSantis and allies to unseat her and the board majority.What can schools do?  Executive producer Louis Freedberg reports from Magnolia High School in the Anaheim Union High School District.   It has made it a top priority to create a welcoming environment for parents which district leaders believe has helped it avoid conflicts roiling adjoining districts in Orange County and around the nation.Sign up here so we can keep you posted on future podcasts on how education leaders are responding to the mounting threats against public schools In the United States.