Parents’ Council Discuss Achievement Gaps in School System (PHOTOS)

Addressing disparities with resources in education was the topic of discussion during the NAACP Parents’ Council kick-off event Monday night which is something parent Charles Casey is concerned about.

“I’m getting my daughter ready for college and some of the challenges we face with the school system as far as meeting the needs of kids who are not the top performing students concerns me,” he said. “They cater to students who are ‘college material’ but the support is lacking for the kids who struggle I think.”

And that’s why Casey joined the parents’ council and hundreds of other parents, students and Montgomery County Public Schools’ staff at Gaithersburg High School to discuss achieving equity in the classroom for minority students.

“I’m trying to get my daughter through the process to become college ready,” Casey said.

The kick-off event began with a resource fair followed by remarks from Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jack Smith, and keynote speaker Karl Reid, who serves as the executive director for the National Society of Black Engineers.

Following the keynote address, attendees participated in breakout sessions on the following topics: Accessible, Understandable and Actionable Parent Teacher Conferences; Restorative Justice; Utilizing Brain Research to Close Opportunity Gaps; and a “Your Voices Matter” Student Town Hall.

“This meeting here tonight is critical for students’ success,” Byron Johns, education chair for the NAACP Montgomery County chapter, said. “It will be the strength of the community to help alleviate opportunity gaps.”

Tonight’s goal is to address the achievement gap. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/vVowMOeLXj

— Mitti Hicks (@MittiMegan) October 16, 2017

Thrilled to join my @mocoboe colleagues & so many @MCPS parents and staff @GaithersburgHS for the #NAACPPCKickoff @RogerManno pic.twitter.com/TbWJbqiEDd

— Rebecca Smondrowski (@RebeccaOnBoard) October 16, 2017

It takes all of us to close the achievement gap. Educators, parents, community. #NAACPPCKickoff pic.twitter.com/HZxqXG8OLZ

— Frances Frost (@francesfrost) October 16, 2017

At the NAACP Parents Council Kickoff Event–examining why gaps exist and working together to confront inequity. #NAACPPCKickoff pic.twitter.com/cSUOaSERIm

— Sarah Sirgo, Ph.D. (@Lead2Support) October 16, 2017

There’s about a hour left here at the NAACP Parents Council meeting at Gaithersburg HS. If you’re heading here parking is a hassle FYI pic.twitter.com/vid8nsyXDQ

— Mitti Hicks (@MittiMegan) October 16, 2017

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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