DC Office of the Student Advocate

Success in public education is only possible through the inclusion of the voices of families in planning and decision-making. (Graphic: Epstein, J.L. (2009). Overlapping Spheres of Influence)

The DC Office of the Student Advocate supports and guides families in navigating the complexities of public education in the District of Columbia. The office supports students, parents, and families in their advocacy through parent education, one-on-one coaching, resource supports, and trainings in order to amplify the voices of families and communities in processes and decision-making; to provide avenues for access to resources and understanding systems; and to support the power families and communities already possess. The office works in partnership to equalize the balance of power between families and schools by increasing family voice, access, and power in our system of public education in the District of Columbia.

balance

It was an honor to lead this work for four years and to serve as the very first Chief Student Advocate for the District of Columbia. In May 2015, I opened the doors of the Office of the Student Advocate for the very first time and it started from nothing and has truly grown into something beyond my wildest dreams. Even in my departure, the work lives on in the amazing staff that continues to live and breathe the work of supporting and partnering with District families to ensure their access to a quality education for their child. More regarding the resources and supports our office provides to students and families in the District of Columbia can be found at studentadvocate.dc.gov.

Learn more about the office check out the About Our Office presentation or click on the other resources below:

Education Town Hall Interview (October 16, 2015): DC’s Chief Student Advocate

District Knowledge Network (January 2016): Profile, The Office of the Student Advocate

The office annual reports below were published during my tenure:

Office of the Student Advocate School Year 2018-19 Annual Report