OSPA CO-SPONSORS WORKSHOP ON PARENT EDUCATION

On December 4th, 1998, the Greater Oklahoma City CSPD Consortium, the Cooperative Council Oklahoma School Administration and OSPA sponsored a workshop, Developing Parent Education Programs, at the Mid-Del Technology Center. The seminar was presented by staff from the Jordan Family Education Center JFEC), a parent education resource center, which has been in operation since 1980 as part of the Jordan School District in Sandy, Utah.

Fulvia Franco, Ph. D., who is employed in Sandy, Utah, is the Program Specialist-Guidance and coordinator of the JFEC, served as the keynote speaker. Her previous experience includes work as a school psychologist at the elementary level and assessment of bilingual students. Her co-presenter, Jim Stewart, is currently working as a school psychologist in the Jordan School district in Sandy, Utah. He has worked in all levels of school settings as well as in a special school for students with severe behavioral problems. He has been an evening coordinator at the JFEC for the last ten years.

The goal of the seminar was to provide participants with sufficient information in order that the district they represent may pursue he establishment of a parent education resource center. Research indicates that when parents are provided with relevant training they :an have a significant, positive impact on the development and behavior of their child. Parent training facilitates parent empowerment and increases parent's involvement so they can better assume he role of decision makers for their families. Areas reviewed included the philosophy and rationale for services, budgetary issues, staff needed to support the operation, logistical information, and overall evaluation results from the Jordan Family Education Center class participants.

The workshop was provided at no cost. More than 80 people attended.

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