If schools are to succeed in reaching every child academically, they need the support of a parent or primary caregiver to achieve this goal. This session will discuss the body of research that demonstrates how the arts can engage families in schools and discuss key strategies that are currently working in both public and charter schools.

Speakers include:

• Michael Sikes, Senior Associate for Research and Policy, the Arts Education Partnership, Washington D.C. and author of “Building Parent Involvement through the Arts” (2007)
• Sarah Ogeto , Program Coordinator,  Illinois Parent Information Resource Center at Columbia College Chicago
• Joanne Vena, Director of School Partnerships, Center for Community Arts Partnerships, Columbia College Chicago
• Angela Fowler, PIRC Program Manager, Harris Center for Early Childhood Education, Columbia College Chicago