Why Kansas Education Needs Parents at the Table | Alana McWilliams

"Not credentialed enough to be part of the solution."

I've heard that.

So let me introduce you to the company I keep.

I have had the privilege of sitting down with some of the sharpest minds in the structured literacy movement… the OGs. People who were pushing for this change 40, 30, 20 years ago. Who have since gone on to found schools and write their own curriculum. Fighting the same battle I had to fight for my own kids. People who believe in public education and believe it's failing too many kids right now. Researchers, educators, and advocates who can't help but sound the alarm.

They invited me to the table. Not despite being a parent, but because of it. Moms who can't stop asking hard questions. Who can't stop organizing. Who can't stop pushing for solutions.

The answers exist, and they have for decades. The missing piece has never been credentials or fancy diplomas on the State Board of Education. It's been the will to make sure every district, in every corner of this state, is actually using structured literacy.

Sometimes it takes the urgency of a parent to act!

Take a listen.