Use This One

Kerry Bane

Epstein, J.L., Salinas, K.C. (May, 2004) Partnering with Families and Communities. Educational Leadership , 61(8) 12-18. Introduction: The authors of this article indicate a school learning community is an organized program of family, school, and community partnerships intended to increase student achievement, by using school goals that are facilitated by activities amongst all participants. (P 1)

Participants Participants in a school learning community:  Educators  Students  Parents  Community

Partners

Benefits

Benefits

Research has indicated these benefits from school learning community programs:

Strengthening of families Invigorates community support Improves schools Increases student achievement and success (P 1)

Implementation According to the article, over 1000 schools have implemented school learning community partnerships. (P 1) Goal to promote student success Plan of action: 

Action Team for partnerships – Teachers, administrators, parents, and community partners.



The action team works with the school council and school improvement team. (p 1)



Team develops annual plans for community and family involvement.

Implementation  Implements  Integrates

and evaluates activities.

activities by other community groups and teachers into a comprehensive program for the school. (P 1)

Implementation cont Six types of involvement used: 

“Parenting – assist families with parenting skills, family support, etc…



Communicating – communicate with families about school programs and student process.



Volunteering – Improve recruitment, training, activities, and schedules to involve families as volunteers and as audiences as the school or in other locations.



Learning at home – Involve families with tier children in academics learning at home including homework, goal setting, and other curriculum – related activities.

Implementation cont Six types of involvement used: 

Decision Making – Include families as participants in school decisions, governance, and advocacy activates through school councils of improvement teams, committees, and parent organizations.



Collaborating with the Community – Coordinate resources and services for families, students and the school with community groups, including businesses, agencies, cultural and civic organizations and colleges and universities.” (P 2)

Testaments General Factors: •All families are welcome – Madison Junior High: Evening discussions about effective parenting strategies, networking, published newsletters, sent information home weekly, volunteer database, breakfasts for honor students, family literacy programs, established connections with business owners, and promoted different celebrations. (p 3)

Testaments Cont. Achievement: Reading – schools offer workshops to the community and parents on reading, have reading volunteers, encourage reading at home, book discussions, community wide interaction to increase reading. (P 3) Dr. Lydia T. Wright School in Buffalo, NY - Involved multi- generational individuals, local celebrities, police officers and other community members in volunteer reading projects. (P 4)

Testaments Cont. Writing: Workshops for parents and students, community forums to display works, and family books. (P 4) Arminta Street Elementary School North Hollywood, CA Established a café where students can read their works. (P 4).

Testaments Cont. Math: Information sessions for students and parents, events, community connections, and homework support. (P 4) Cuyahoga Falls Ohio – Teacher led instructive math sessions to parents and community, take home bags of materials, community business coupons, math–related raffles, and other information relating to math. (P 4)

Testaments Cont. College and work preparation: Focus is on planning for the future and what needs to be achieved to advance. Glenmary School in Peace River, Alberta Canada Student, parents and faculty attend career portfolio night. (P 5)

Testaments Cont. Community Collaboration: Community partners work with the school to increase student opportunities, enrich student skills, and further develop experiences to expand students capabilities. (P 5) Families Forward Cincinnati Ohio – A program to develop multi-generational and community contacts for students using, letters, dinners, guest readers, oral historians and volunteer events. (P 6)

Closing The No Child Left Behind Act has made all schools accountable for students learning. To facilitate in this endeavor faculty, students, parents and community have to unite and develop programs to assist in increase student interest and knowledge. (P 6)

Additional Resources: • www.nochildleftbehind.gov • www.answers.com/topic/no-child-left-behind

• www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/information/departments/sfcpp/Pages/default.as 4. www.csos.jhu.edu/p2000