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Arlene Ackerman speaks to parents in Philadelphia. Photo by April Saul, courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Parents who say they don’t get enough input into what happens in the New York City schools might like Philadelphia’s new superintendent.

As part of her research for a new strategic plan she is drafting for the Philadelphia schools, Superintendent Arlene Ackerman is convening a series of community meetings to get ideas and answer questions (and anyone can help set up a meeting).

She held her first monthly roundtable with about 200 parents last week, who asked about everything from field trips to improving communication with non-English speaking parents.

She’s also meeting with parents in their homes, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

But some parents want to see even more of her:

Judith Jackson, whose grandchildren attend Wakisha Charter, wants more access to the superintendent – did she ever think about one-on-one, open-door sessions?

“I’ve been thinking about that,” said Ackerman, who noted it as a good idea. “I wonder: Do I give everyone five minutes? Do I do it on a Saturday? I’ve got to think about it.”

Via Philadelphia teacher-blogger Christopher Paslay.

We don’t know how large voter turnout is so far, but it’s clearly impressive. As Mayor Bloomberg said this morning, “Anybody that thinks that democracy is not working in America just has to look today.”

Will the civic engagement be sustained?

One way for parents to stay engaged, of course, would be to get active in their child’s public school. The teachers union is holding its annual conference Saturday on how to do that. About 3,000 parents are expected to show up, and although formal registration has closed, a person at the union just told me that if parents still want to sign up, they can, by calling 212-598-9025.

At the conference, parents will find workshops on subjects including how to understand new standardized tests and how to deal with gang violence. Maybe parents could also discuss which PTA’s held bake sales and which didn’t.

Another incentive to show up: Philissa, who has attended the conference for the last three years (representing Insidechools.org — she’s not a parent yet!), says that last year Hillary Clinton made an  unannounced appearance. More details after the jump. (more…)