The National Center for Families Learning

The National Center for Families Learning shifted to conducting virtual districtwide Parent Advisory Council meetings in Jefferson County Public Schools after the pandemic began. Cindy Baumert, Family Learning Specialist for NCFL, says this move has opened up the ability for many more families to participate in direct discussions with district staff on complex issues of policy, procedure, and practice.

Because the families don’t have to travel to an in-person meeting, they can participate while tending to needs at home. The use of virtual breakout rooms has provided opportunities for families to participate in large group meetings and then break away to have more intimate discussions and support each other as they discuss the topics presented for deeper meaning.

Language interpretation is also available, which creates a more equitable and richly diverse conversation. The meetings are recorded live so families who have a conflict at the time can still learn about what was presented and the input given by other families. The recordings are posted on a districtwide Facebook page where families can continue to share their thoughts and provide feedback. All materials from the meeting are also digitally accessible by families.