Austin ISD Parent Support Specialists (PSS) bridge the gap between home, school, and community. They work on campuses to connect families with vital social, health, and academic resources, coordinate multicultural outreach, and empower parents to take active leadership roles in their children's education.

Norman- Sims Parent Support Specialist- Ms. Stephanie Macedo

Core Goals & Services

• Family Support & Navigation: Provide direct guidance, listening ears, and referrals to internal and external social services.

• School-Community Connection: Build welcoming, inclusive environments through multicultural outreach and clear communication.

• Parent Empowerment: Host workshops, training sessions, and meetings that help parents navigate the district.

• Leadership Development: Help organize PTAs and involve parents as decision-makers and co-trainers in the school community. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Program Structure & Expansion

• Campus Placement: Traditionally focused heavily on Title I schools, the program has expanded through regional support teams to serve well over 100 campuses across Austin ISD. [1, 2]

• Collaboration: Specialists report directly to campus principals while working alongside teachers, counselors, and the Austin ISD Family & Community Engagement department. [1]

• Professional Support: PSS personnel receive regular ongoing training and professional development throughout the school year to keep resource networks up to date.