Natural Leaders are warm, caring social persons who serve as multi-cultural bridges between students, families, communities and schools.

Recruited and trained by WABS member schools, Natural leaders build multi-cultural teams to connect isolated families with school, train and provide ongoing educational opportunities, and work in partnership with schools and families to implement ideas that will help students succeed.

By developing these team leaders, WABS aims to 1) Increase family engagement in their children’s education and 2) Improve student academic performance.

2011-2012 Participating Schools

  • Edmonds School District: Cedar Valley Community School, College Place Elementary, Chase Lake Elementary, Spruce Elementary, Lynnwood Elementary

  • Everett Public Schools: Hawthorne Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary

  • Mukilteo School District: Odyssey Elementary Schools

  • Northshore School District: Crystal Springs Elementary, Kenmore Elementary, Woodin Elementary, Woodmoor Elementary, Northshore Junior High, Kenmore Junior High, Inglemoor High

  • Shoreline Public Schools: Ballinger Homes, Shorecrest High School, Kellogg Middle School, Parkwood Elementary, and Lake Forest Park Elementary

Natural Leaders Quick Facts

  • Schools with active Natural Leader teams have seen a steady increase in math and reading scores since 2003. Natural Leader schools went from 51-61% to 67-80% pf students passing the tests.
  • Over 150 Natural Leaders have been trained and are active at participating schools.
  • More than 2,500 families have participated in school events/multicultural social activities.
  • Each school offers 3-10 activities per year for families.
  • Natural Leaders also offer multicultural academic enrichment for families. Many have started bilingual tutoring and homework support clubs. Two have started Plaza Communitaria programs to help parents complete their education.
  • Nine Natural Leaders have graduated from the Parent Mentor Certificate Program at Edmonds Community College thanks to the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Another group of 10 will graduate soon, and a third cohort will start in the Spring 2012.
  • Two Natural Leaders have been hired by Edmonds School District.

The WABS Natural Leaders program was developed by WABS and has been made possible by the generous support of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Discuren Foundation and in partnership with participating school districts.

For more information on the Natural Leaders Program, contact info@wabsalliance.org.