Cleveland Schools Launch Family Academy Program

Friday, May 2, 2008
Topics: Education
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Cleveland Metropolitan School District officials recognize that families play an important role in education. That was the focus of Thursday’s grand opening of its new Family Academy. The program targets third graders, and emphasizes the role of their families and community in their lives. ideastream’s Tasha Flournoy has more.

Literacy and life skills are among the six core components of Family Academy. It’s an educational program geared to the whole family, with a goal of narrowing the achievement gap and reestablishing important relationships in students’ lives - that’s according to Program Director Deborah Cochran.  She says the yearlong program will focus on students’ math, reading, and literacy skills.  Families as a whole will work on budgeting finances, job training, and better communication. 

Deborah Cochran: We’re attempting to provide support for the families and help them meet their goals and to definitely help the children and parents reconnect.  Because life is so busy now, many parents don’t get a chance to really connect with their children as they should. So one night a week they’ll spend quality, one-on-one time with their child. 

The program model was devised by parents, community members and educators with a one-million dollar donation from Third Federal Savings & Loan. District officials expect to have an about 25 initial families involved. The first academies will be at East High School in the Hough neighborhood and The Boys and Girls Club in Slavic Village.

Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.