PND (11/16/99) -- National School Boards and AOL Foundation Team Up to Promote Parental Involvement in Local Schools

The National School Boards Foundation and the AOL Foundation have announced that they will partner to create online networks in five urban, suburban, and rural school districts across the country.

The two-year pilot project was announced at the annual Technology Learning Conference in Dallas by America Online chairman and CEO Steve Case, who termed the project "an important tool in creating a new kind of community for schools and parents for the benefit of their kids."

The project is designed to make possible round-the-clock discussions about school issues while actively involving parents in the school decision-making process. School board members will serve as catalysts for online discussion by seeking out and listening to parents' concerns, facilitating public deliberation on school priorities, and communicating plans of action.

"Our ultimate goal is to raise student achievement," said Mike Fernandez, chairman of the NSBF and a vice president of U S WEST. "Studies show that the most accurate predictor of student success is the extent to which the student's family encourages learning, creates high expectations, and becomes involved in the school and the community."

Upon completion of the two-year pilot project, the participating programs will be evaluated and, following a final review, will serve as models to be replicated in school districts around the country.

FCnote: The AOL Foundation (VA) had assets of $1,601,842 and made grants totaling $398,158 in the year ending 12/31/98.

"National School Boards Foundation, AOL Foundation Partner to Improve Student Achievement." U.S. Newswire 11/11/99.

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