These days, we hear a lot about the importance of teachers in children’s academic performance. And while that emphasis is not misplaced, it almost seems as if the role of families is being forgotten. There are good philosophical reasons for that. We do children a monumental disservice by suggesting that family is destiny. But we also do them a disservice by overlooking the influence of families in children’s learning.

Yesterday, I got to moderate a media conference call hosted by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading focused on efforts to bolster families’ abilities to support their children’s academic development, especially their early-literacy skills. The speakers are all worth adding to your contacts list. And given that much of the work to support family engagement keeps going when school is out, now is a good to time to mine the call for summer story ideas.
Stream the call below or download it here.