PAVE (parent advocacy group) is a false front formed by Walton Foundation

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agreed. The anti-charter people disrespect and disenfranchise the 40% of DC Public School parents who have thought through the issues and made a choice. They push “poor kids with disinterested parents” who are “stuck” is DCPS forward as their cannon fodder—rather than acknowledging that DCPS schools across the board have improved and gained enrollment since charters started in DC. These people actually turn my stomach

It's also amusing that KIPP caters to the population of "poor black kids" that the white savior complex charter-haters pretend to champion. Between KIPP, Latin and BASIS that's a whole lot of informed UMC and low SES families that have made an informed decision. What I love is that the WTU crowd seems to think if they repeat the same talking points enough times the tide will turn.

[Anonymous]

I can speak from experience, as a parent who has been involved with PAVE for years. I am sure I don't know all of the education groups out there, but what drew me to the group is that is inclusive of both charter and public parents, and includes parents from all parts of the city. As has been said in this thread, the room is filled with parents who want the best for their kids. I am a DCPS parent, others are charter parents, some have kids in both, some have kids with special education placements in private schools. Personally, I like how it brings more people to the table - the more parents involved in advocacy and speaking up for our cities' kiddos the more likely it is that policy makers hear what all parents feel/prioritize, instead of a smaller sub group. The comments, concerns, and questions in the room at a PAVE meeting are those of parents who live in DC, not those of outside funders. The funding that the group has does provide a range of things, including childcare and food for meetings, which allows all parents the opportunity to engage. They share a lot on twitter (https://twitter.com/dcpave) and have events and ways to engage if you are interested in learning more.