For districts seeking ideas to build families’ understanding of their child’s education progress, Broad Street Elementary in Butler, PA provides an excellent example. Families and educators came together for an event called “Data with a Twist,” that demonstrates how educational innovation and community partnership can support student learning. The event took place as part of the Parents as Allies project, an initiative across more than 20 Pennsylvania school districts to support schools and families to co-design innovative solutions that promote family engagement.
On the school’s patio, parents gathered for a meal and listened to a reading specialist present early literacy academic performance data. This session equipped parents with the knowledge to actively engage in their children's education. Meanwhile, their children were inside, immersed in hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. This setup not only shared valuable insights but also celebrated the collective effort to improve educational outcomes.
“Data with a Twist” stands as a testament to Broad Street’s commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity, where the school is not merely a place for academic learning but a community hub that welcomes and values the input of every family. Events such as this one can lead to powerful connections and opportunities to tie instructional interventions - such as high-impact tutoring - to a meaningful understanding of a student’s academic progress.