(October 31, 2011) Diversity in education isn’t actually a new thing. School populations and their communities have been shifting for several decades. Yet, things appear to be growing at a faster rate and some schools are needing to adjust for the first time. Anne Foster, executive director of Parents for Public Schools, describes how PPS is helping groups of parents as they work to improve their schools on behalf of all children rather than just for their own. She also speaks to the challenges of policies that discourage immigrant children from attending school when federal law forbids such policies and there is great value to communities when all children receive a high quality education. Anne is interviewed by Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., director of the IDRA Texas Parent Information and Resource Center and a member of the PPS advisory board. Send comments to
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* Anne talks about diversity issues facing the
Jackson
Public Schools when PPS was established in 1989, as well as the organization's efforts to recruit parents who were willing to "roll up their sleeves" and get involved in public education at a high level.
* Anne explains her passion for working with public schools, where "the doors are open to everyone," and how school districts must continue to work at providing a quality education to all students.
* Anne discusses some of the changing demographics in school districts, particularly across the
Deep South .
* Anne talks about actively reaching out and inviting Latino families into the PPS Parent Leadership Institute.
* Anne explains the importance of parents working together to serve the community as a whole, supporting all students and not just their own.
* Anne shares how PPS educates parents on policy changes, including the impact on school funding.
* Aurelio asks Anne how PPS works with families around the fear and uncertainty of immigration issues.
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(October 31, 2011) Diversity in education isn’t actually a new thing. School populations and their communities have been shifting for several decades. Yet, things appear to be growing at a faster rate and some schools are needing to adjust for the first time. 
