To recognize Texas Wesleyan’s innovative Parent Academies program, Patsy Robles-Goodwin, Ed.D., professor of education, was honored with the Quest for Quality Award by the Consortium of State Organizations for the Texas Teacher Education during its conference Oct. 27. The award highlights exemplary K-12 school partnerships in conjunction with the National Professional Development Grant. Carlos Martinez, Ph.D., dean of the Texas Wesleyan School of Education and Bertha Torres, grant coordinator, were also at the ceremony representing TXWES.

Parent Academies are individualized parental programs that provide parents with a better understanding of the educational system, philosophy and the expectations of their child’s school so they can support and encourage positive outcomes.

The students are not the only ones benefitting from the program. Participating parents themselves also learn valuable skills that can lead to future success, including basic computer skills and English lessons.

Our Parent Academies are making a strong impact with our parents, especially our Latino parents who might not speak English or know how the educational system in this country works,” Robles-Goodwin said. “These academies empower them to become more engaged in their children's education that will hopefully impact their educational outcomes and achievements.

The program has worked with parents and students in the Burleson, Everman, Fort Worth, Mansfield, White Settlement and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISDs.