Archived Message

Message from the SEE Project Director

Keeping the Connection: Building on the Past – Focusing on the Future has been Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s mantra for the past few years. At the Science and Everyday Experiences (SEE) Project we are building on past activities while focusing on a new SEE initiative, Parent Education. The SEE Leaders are moving forward to learn about the SEE Parent Education Component so they can assist chapters of Delta Sigma Theta and community leaders in implementing the SEE informal education activity that supports parental involvement.

Parents are an absolutely vital part of the educational process and experiences of their children. Schools will improve when parents become more involved in their children's education. Research is confirming the importance of the involvement of parents in their child's education. Anne Henderson published a report, The Family Is Critical to Student Achievement, in which she said:

The evidence is now beyond dispute. When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school but throughout life. In fact, the most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student's family is able to:

• create a home environment that encourages learning,
• express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers,
• become involved in their children's education at school and in the community.

When schools support families to develop these three conditions, children from low-income families and diverse cultural backgrounds approach the grades and test scores expected for middle-class children.

The Delta SEE Parent Educator component is built upon SEE activities to develop a training module that will assist parents and caregivers with the informal science education of the youth in their family sphere. It helps parents know how to give positive support and encouragement while being involved in the child’s exploration of mathematics and science.

Contact the SEE Leaders in your area for information on implementing Science and Everyday Experiences with youth in your family.