Literacy program has sweet ring

Irma Lemus

BURBANK -- A Burbank Unified School District literacy program that

encourages parents to get involved with their children’s reading

assignments has been awarded a Golden Bell by the California School Board

Association.

The Golden Bell awards spotlight positive trends in public education

by focusing success stories in California’s public school districts,

officials said. The awards were presented during the association’s Annual

Education Conference at a luncheon at the San Francisco Marriott on Dec.

8.

The Burbank Unified School District’s Parent and Literacy Seminars

program was recognized as an innovative and outstanding educational

program in the state, association officials said.

The PALS program’s five-week seminar, held once a year at Burbank

elementary schools, is aimed at involving parents on their children’s

literacy and reading assignments. Parents attend the sessions and work

with a literacy resource teacher who instructs them on how best to assist

their kids with their school work. The program provides information and

support for parents that is essential, said Andrea Canady, director of

elementary education for Burbank Unified.

“It’s very beneficial for parents. They feel that they have a much

better understanding of literacy and reading assignments,” Canady said.

The Golden Bell honor was a first for the three-year-old program,

Canady said. To be eligible for the competition, educational programs

must have been in operation for at least two years and must prove that

they have made a difference in students’ academic performance, Canady

said.