Representatives of Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE, pronounced P-K), a California-based organization that has developed a program to expand parent involvement in communities with low-income residents and diversity, were in Worthington Monday and Tuesday for the second time in five months. It's a program that, at least on the surface, seems well worth participating in.
We feel it's important to note PIQE's president and CEO, as well as its vice president, didn't just meet with teachers and other district staff during this week's visit. Along with District 518 Community Education Director Jerry Fiola, there were visits with local sponsors Swift & Co. and UFCW union leaders, as well with the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the provost at Minnesota West. In other words, all those involved with the PIQE effort -- the district currently has a one-year contract with the organization, with the possibility of expansion -- realize the importance of the entire community in the education of its children.
By now, it should be no secret that District 518 faces challenges different than neighboring districts because of its diverse student body. PIQE officials' initial trip to Worthington in March resulted in the completion of a multi-faceted, nine-week class by 87 parents, most of which were reportedly Latino. While community support of educational efforts is important, involvement and active participation by parents is particularly critical. We applaud the district for reaching out in this manner.
