About Us

CPLAN is a parent-led advocacy network amplifying the voices of families to create more inclusive, student-centered public schools across Massachusetts.

ANNUAL REPORT

Our Belief

At CPLAN, we believe families, especially those from racially and economically marginalized communities, are key to reshaping education systems. We believe that all public school students deserve equitable access to high quality school choices, regardless of income, zip code, race, or ethnicity.

We strive to foster a supportive community where parents can access the resources, training, and support they need to become effective advocates and change agents within the education system.

Mission

CPLAN is a parent- led advocacy organization that seeks to inform, inspire, and empower parents to advocate for a more equitable education for their children.

Vision

Our vision is for all students to have access to a high quality education that prepares them for college, career, and life.

Our Values

Relationships are essential:

CPLAN facilitates authentic, powerful, and mutually-beneficial relationship-building between CPLAN parents and students and state and local education decision-makers. CPLAN members leverage those relationships to advance issues of importance to them, whether on education or some other community issue, while decision-makers benefit from direct access to engaged constituents who provide invaluable input and support for advancing high quality education.

Parents and students are leaders:

CPLAN provides opportunities, guidance, and the support that parents and students need to use their voices and power as leaders in their communities, including professional development and skill-building. Professional development of the CPLAN parents and students has consistently been a priority since CPLAN’s inception so that parents themselves authentically co-lead CPLAN. Staff members work individually with CPLAN leaders to develop personal development plans and provide training sessions and mentoring opportunities.

Empowered voices make change:

CPLAN encourages, supports, and empowers CPLAN parents and students to tell their own stories and speak truth to power to advance a shared, specific set of goals and objectives. CPLAN’s success is dependent upon empowering parents and students to be the voices of change and then working together around a shared agenda. CPLAN members are concerned about a wide array of educational issues in their schools, and CPLAN staff work with parents and students to develop a consensus agenda annually to guide the work for the coming year.

Our Standards

Schools meet the academic needs of all students.

All students are on a path for college and career readiness.

Including English Learners and Students with disabilities
Achieved through strong Teacher/Family relationships and a culturally responsive curriculum

Schools meet the non-academic needs of all students.

Through Trauma-informed education and services, effective communication, community partners, and opportunities for social-emotional growth, students will be prepared to graduate
Culturally responsive in anticipating and meeting these needs
Read more about Mental Health in Schools

Culture of intentional family & community engagement

Schools maintain a culture of intentional family and community engagement.

There are active and functional School Site Parent Councils.
Family participation in implementing policy changes.
Community stakeholders to improve school programming.
Engagement with families and community partners.

Schools maintain a student-centered school climate.

School discipline is appropriate and focused on student needs.
There are measures in place to address chronic absenteeism.
School curricula meet the needs of the whole child, including arts and physical education.
Schools keep students and best outcomes for students at the center of family communication.
Schools maintain a culturally responsive school climate.

Our History

Founded in 2016 by a group of passionate mothers, CPLAN (Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network) emerged from a collective determination to stand up for our children's education. We realized that to create meaningful change, we needed to unite and collectively challenge the existing education system. After all, when many voices come together, they have a stronger impact.

Since then, CPLAN has grown into a statewide coalition of dedicated educational stakeholders, including parents, educators, administrators, and policymakers.

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