Parents with children enrolled in McAuliffe are expected to spend roughly two 90-minute sessions (three if they have two children attending) every week in their child's classroom. They're not just aides, either. Before their classroom service can begin, they are required to attend a seven-session STEP (Systemic Training for Effective Parenting) class, which is designed to increase their usefulness when they're a part of the experience.
"We recognize that parents are a child's first teacher and extend this notion into the classroom," says Michael Kalb, McAuliffe Principal. "Parents lead lessons based on their own personal expertise or interests." This translates to a whole new world of learning for students—a doctor may help lead a chemistry study, or a graphic designer may help lead an art study or a geometry course.
Not all parents, however, receive this requirement with a positive outlook. For busy parents, this can be a burden—especially since McAuliffe Elementary School is a public school, not a private school of the parents' choices.
The school tries to work around frantic parent schedules as best as it can, though. For those who can't make an appearance in the classroom, they can opt to work at night making copies for the teacher, help to maintain the school's computer system, or volunteer for field trips—which can be as many as five a month.
