This time, it's parents who graduate with lessons on schools

Parents and families packed the Wood Dale Junior High School gymnasium for dinner, dressed to the nines.

As diplomas were handed out, though, and recipients proudly strolled across the stage, it was the children who remained seated.

Parents were front and center during Tuesday's "Navigating the American Education System" graduation. The night was for them.

The district with a 36 percent Hispanic student base is one of several launching a new program aimed at helping their predominantly immigrant parents understand U.S. schools. For those raised in this country, the process seems hardly necessary.

But for those who come here and see the system from an outsider's perspective, it's an entirely different story, said educational consultant Lourdes Ferrer, who created the program for the DuPage County Regional Office of Education.

"A lot of time immigrant families feel they bring their children to school and we take care of them, whereas in America, we have an expectation that it's a partnership," Ferrer said.

The model she uses to explain the actual process is a tricycle: Students are the large front wheel, while parents and teachers are the equal, rear support wheels.

That's the one image parents say they've taken away with them -- along with the idea they have a role equal in responsibility to that of the teacher, she said.

Hector Franco always paid attention to his daughters' education, but he'll do so even more now, he said through a translator.

"Not even one day or one night can go by that we aren't on top of it," the Wood Dale man said.

In Mexico, Franco finished the sixth grade -- the same grade his oldest child now attends.

But he wants more for his children: high school, college, careers. And he knows an education lays down the path.

"I didn't have the opportunity to continue, so it's important my kids go (farther in school)," he continued.

Teachers weren't sure what to expect from parents when they returned from their two-day training last fall. Would anyone register?

Instead, 75 parents at the two elementary schools signed up, and to ensure they'd have no problems attending, the district also arranged child care on-site. Almost all of those parents -- and their families -- attended the graduation where they shook Superintendent John Corbett's hand, got a big hug from Ferrer and walked away with a certificate.

Every single person received applause.

Ferrer was overjoyed. She wants to empower parents in a way she herself was not when she arrived with three children from Puerto Rico in 1990.

She also wants to raise a strong generation of educated Hispanic children. It's her way of paying back the country that's given her such freedom and success, she said.

"I give parents a wake-up call," Ferrer said. "We're here. We're gonna help this nation. Let us be known as educated."

Based on the near rock-star welcome she received from parents as she walked through the crowd, it seems they listened and her enthusiasm was contagious.