What is the African-American Parent Advisory Council?

The African-American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) is a group of parents/guardians of African American/Black students working in partnership with key staff to advocate for the success of African-American/Black students. It is an advocacy group made up of at least two parents/guardians, one administrator, one teacher (and/or family engagement staff). The majority of the Council members should be parents/guardians.

Through quarterly meetings, AAPAC members receive information, tools, and networking opportunities to help ensure the academic success of African-American/Black students. AAPAC is responsible for advising the Principal and School Site Council on programs and services that will increase academic outcomes for African-American/Black students at the school. AAPAC also advises on how to create a welcoming school environment for all African American/Black families.

AAPAC is not designed to isolate African American students and their families. The Council’s purpose is to work with the school to identify the barriers to African-American student achievement and to advocate for the strategies, tools and resources that will eliminate those barriers. African-American/Black families are a powerful source of knowledge that schools need to ensure the success of their students. AAPAC gives the content experts (the school staff) an opportunity to partner with the child experts (the families) in ways that lead to improved outcomes for African-American/Black students.