New Learning Leaders President Commits to Helping Immigrant Parents Navigate New York City Public Schools

NEW YORK, September 26, 2006 -  Learning Leaders’ newly-appointed President Mindy Duitz pledged today to focus the resources of the largest volunteer educational support program in New York City on recruiting and training parent volunteers from growing immigrant communities. 

Ms. Duitz told 2,500 Learning Leaders volunteers at its annual Opening Meeting today that parents who are recent immigrants often require the help of an advocate to ensure that their children receive academic assistance necessary to succeed in school and in life.

“There is no better time than now for parent involvement in the schools,” said Duitz, a former long-term director of both the Staten Island and Brooklyn Children’s Museums and management and planning consultant for museums, arts and educational organizations and foundations throughout the country.  “Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Joel Klein recognize the important role parents must play in their children’s education, and have literally opened school doors to parents for the first time in many years.  With 15,000 volunteers already in the schools, Learning Leaders is taking a leadership role in advocating on behalf of all parents, but especially those whose voices are not often heard.”

Hosted by Dana Tyler, WCBS2 news anchor and herself a Learning Leaders volunteer, the kick-off event at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan featured remarks by Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott and a keynote address by Department of Education Chancellor Joel Klein. UFT President Randi Weingarten and District 19 Councilman Tony Avella were also on the program.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Learning Leaders has a solid record of success in helping students to master language and math skills.  In a survey of teachers last year, it was reported that 97% of their students who received regular volunteer tutoring improved their school work.  The same percentage of students exhibited improved self-confidence and interest in school. 

In addition to tutoring, Learning Leaders offers several special programs, including ArtWorks, to develop third graders’ appreciation and knowledge of art, and Literacy Leaders, which challenges fifth and six graders to think critically about children’s classic literature.  Book Buddies, a corporate program, provides volunteers from corporations throughout the city the opportunity to become reading partners with students.

The 50th anniversary of Learning Leaders and the pressing need for more parental involvement in public school education both in New York and throughout the country was the impetus for the launch of a new advertising campaign by Learning Leaders.  Developed pro bono by New York advertising agency mcgarrybowen, the campaign underscores the importance of the work of Learning Leaders in “Making New York Smarter.”  Highly visible at the Opening Meeting, the campaign can also be seen throughout the streets and subways of New York this month and in October.