Case Study
WCC Education Fair
Overview
The Reality: Lack of information for families
When families in WCC were surveyed, over half did not know what charter or district schools were, over two-thirds didn’t know about the programs that WCCUSD offered, and the majority did not know how students were performing throughout WCCUSD.
The Opportunity: Access to information = Access to power & voice
I launched the inaugural WCC Citywide Education Fair in 2018 in response to a changing educational landscape in West Contra Costa and a need for the entire education community to come together to share information so families could successfully navigate the school system. The fair was the first of its kind to bring charter and district schools together so that families could have a one-stop place to talk to learn about schools and resources available in their neighborhoods.
The Approach: Community-led
I led the effort, alongside a Parent Leadership team. Parents listened to the community and determined the vision for the fair.
Outcome
Over 500 families attended the first year, making this the biggest education event in Richmond and the only cross-collaboration between charter and district schools. In 2020 we had over 1200 families and over 80 tables of schools and non profits.
PRESS ON THE FAIR: ARTICLE IN EDSOURCE
Testimonials
“West County Schools are doing some amazing, innovative things to ensure that our kids are getting a high-quality, rigorous, enriching education. You need to see all this for yourself.
At the fair you can meet staff and families from over 40 West County Schools and to learn about summer programs, stem programs, performing art programs, etc. This fair will be the key to access all the information and resources you need to make sure your/our children have everything they need to succeed.”
— Tana Monteiro, Parent leader