Ryan Bretag writes, "Educators shouldn't be the only ones contributing. For a growing number of students, a four year degree does not fit … Let's find ways to work with local businesses and subject matter experts to connect core curriculum to the outside world and design engaging learning experiences in and out of the classroom. 10. A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. It is suggested here that schools can learn from the community organising tradition championed by Saul Alinsky: ‘The first thing you’ve got to do in a community is listen, not talk and learn to eat, sleep, breathe only one thing: the problems and aspirations of the community.’ The more I searched, the themes for successful school transformation emerged: To lift up and raise our schools to a place that suits all 21st century learners, help needs to come from many parts of the community. Whether organized by a district, school, teacher, family, or the student themselves, connecting with potential mentors through social media is compelling because it’s A) Public—transparent and safer than ‘social media’ sounds and B) Because it’s public, it can encourage companies to respond when they may not in private. The Communities In Schools ® (CIS) affiliate brings support and resources to the schools in their community by doing the following: Conducts an assessment of the community to determine the need for CIS; Partners with school district leadership to identify where CIS can have the greatest impact We just need to find ways to connect core curriculum beyond the classroom by attracting the right people and asking the right questions. Include the networks they can utilize to raise awareness of the needs of local children and families, and always promote and foster resource-sharing and collaboration. There are so many opportunities for experiential learning to happen out in the community surrounding the school. Libraries are important hubs and can provide meaningful connection points outside the school gates. Tutor at a community center, your high school, or another school in your area. They connect local concerns with global issues and gain an awareness of others. By Howard Stribbell. Community-based integrated student services are interventions that improve student achievement by connecting community resources with both the academic and social-service needs of students. Every school would benefit from increased community support. Getting involved – how schools can help their local community. School support comes from a variety of places both internally and externally. Let's not forget the largely untapped wealth of experience and knowledge that resides with retires, grandparents and millions of socially isolated senior citizens in aged care facilities. Here are some strategies: Review, update, and implement emergency operations plans. There are many talented, generous people in the community that can help make their own neighborhood school a little better. Most important, schools have the potential to build well-educated citizens ready to take on responsibilities as contributing community members. Create an integrated system of school supports that includes extended learning opportunities and … Using schools as hubs, community schools bring educators, families, and community partners together to offer a range of opportunities, supports, and services to … Throughout my journey setting up the Reinventing School Challenge, I did a significant amount of research to ensure I had a thorough understanding of what existed already, what worked, and what was possible. Use libraries to advocate for school-community partnerships and student learning. The community should be creating questions, puzzles, quotes, mind benders, trivia, philosophical and ethical challenges, thought provoking videos, "graffiti walls," brainstorming spaces, and play areas.". Here are examples of such, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW | Suite 100 | Washington, DC 20008-2304 |, ©2021 Coalition for Community Schools at the, Research and Evaluation for Continuous Improvement, How to Scale Up your Community School Initiative, Community Schools: An Essential Equity Strategy, University-Assisted Community Schools Network, Community Schools FAQs - Answers to your questions. The leading roles should be alternated according to the need and focus of the particular aspect of the transformation project. We need to work as a community to nurture our schools for our particular community needs. Use libraries to advocate for school-community partnerships and student learning. Try the same approach with groups of students. *Special thanks to our partners Tony Smith and Oakland Unified School District for allowing us to use "Thriving Students" tagline in our messaging. Students, Parents, School Staff, Community Partners and Law Enforcement Ideas on how to create a safe school. Nor do they have the resources and capacity to do the things they have been asked to do… Expanded Learning Opportunities. Find something that complements your passions, interests, and career aspirations. Kids working together, learn to solve problems and make decisions and successfully contribute to their community. I'm approaching this post from an inclusive, design-focused view, and I put to you ideas that target and engage the four main players I believe can make all the difference in transforming our schools and curriculum today: students, parents, seniors/grandparents and local businesses. This time let the students communicate what they hope and wish for their school and encourage them to ask for mentoring and support. Social reformers, politicians, and educational leaders have utilized various initiatives in the past to strengthen the relationship between schools and communities to achieve the common … They connect local concerns with global issues and gain an awareness of others. August 24, 2015. Such interventions focus on programmatic energy , resources , and time on both school and student goals. Creating a safe place where children can learn and grow depends on a partnership among students, parents, teachers, and other community institutions. Kids today are asking far to often for relevance in what they are learning. If you currently teach in an international school there is a good chance you’ll love your life. Great examples of school/community partnerships are happening all over the world. Share your dreams for enhanced community-school partnerships, ask people what matters to them, ask them how they might help, and show them your passion. I'll never use this!" In addition, developing definitions in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders is a great way to promote greater voice and shared leadership in your school community. Much of what we learn as children and adults happens outside the classroom through real world experiences and from our peers, mentors or on the job. But political buy-in for community transformation as a means of school transformation can be difficult. And by enlisting students in maintaining that sense of community, the school provides opportunities for students to learn skills and develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Schools frequently provide employment for community residents and, in some cases, offer community services. Try using a matching technique to match students with subject matter experts, businesses and community organisations. A series of community walks are a great way to start. That is an important question that is in urgent need of answers. Community colleges also offer an affordable bridge between high school and university, and allow students to complete preliminary studies before transferring to a more expensive four-year college. A school leader shares his strategies for connecting his community via the school website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, WeChat, and staff blogs. Deliver them an open invitation to reconnect, collaborate and share their experience, skills and time to make a difference. Develop information-sharing systems with partners. If we respect each other and acknowledge our unique contribution, we can move forward quickly in a positive environment where we can all be teachers and learners. Libraries are important hubs and can provide meaningful connection points outside the school gates. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Spread the love. Projects Through Organizations in Your Community. When a school meets students' basic psychological needs, students become increasingly committed to the school's norms, values, and goals. Just as businesses require innovation and the ability to respond to change, so do … Please select the option that best describes you. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Many community colleges are affiliated with state schools, which can make the transfer process easier. *, Many communities are effectively and efficiently implementing the community schools strategy. "Why am I learning this? is a response far too often heard form the mouths of young people today. Schools need to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. Schools can provide more support for students, families and staff when they are an integral part of the community. On the other hand, agencies can make services more accessible to youth and families by linking with schools, and they can connect better with and have an impact on hard-to-reach clients. Community schools contain a host of opportunities and supports built-in that give students and parents all the tools they need to learn and grow. Reinventing school can mean lots of things such as redesigning classrooms, creating a community garden, creating an open and shared learning space, designing a course, changing the way students participate in decision making, you name it! November 14, 2014. __________________. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends. In addition to student work, the district invites community partners to create STEAM booths and activities that students and families can enjoy… Include the networks they can utilize to raise awareness of the needs of local children and families, and always promote and foster resource-sharing and collaboration. Engaging Instruction. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. 11. Public schools can play a significant role in the general improvement of their respective communities, and can operate as a major platform for enhancing child welfare in the community. For 33 years the Albany Free School, the Albany Free School Community, and supportive professionals and business people throughout the Capital District have demonstrated the natural fit and the immense value of forging a connection between education and community. Partners work to achieve these results: Children are ready to enter school; students attend school consistently; students are actively involved in learning and their community; families are increasingly involved with their children's education; schools are engaged with families and communities; students succeed academically; students are healthy - physically, socially, and emotionally; students live and learn in a safe, supportive, and stable environment, and communities are desirable places to live. 12. Compton Unified School Districtdoes this with its STEAMFest. Around 10,000 community members attend the event, which spotlights the district’s STEAM programs. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Let’s discuss how a child can volunteer. How might we connect today's core curriculum with the real world? You can stock up on gifts and do good for your local places without taking up all the space in your pantry, too. International school teaching offers unparalleled opportunities for professional and personal development in a … One major way to connect with families and members of the community is to hold in-person events. One of the best ways to connect and create an authentic bond is to go to the people who matter most, and meet them on their own turf. Community schools offer a personalized curriculum that emphasizes real-world learning and community problem-solving. To prevent school violence each partner has to take action. Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. Solicit mentoring relationships. Research has proven that schools with a greater support system thrive compared to those who do not have such support. I created the Reinventing School Challenge earlier this year to encourage discussion, empower youth, teachers and communities to design and facilitate change locally. A community resource map can come in the form of a hand-drawn map (use a graphic facilitator), Google Map, Mind Map or even a spreadsheet with some visual outputs. Get your teachers, some local businesses on board and go and knock on people's doors, visit local businesses and senior homes and talk with them. When families, community groups, business and schools band together to support learning, young people achieve more in school, stay in school longer, and enjoy the experience more. If you build one, also point out the materials people can supply at cost or for free, the time they can invest in projects, and how they can connect to curriculum, and classroom activities. Simple ideas for creating a stronger network. Here is an example of a community challenge to reinvent the school experience. I believe the answer to real education/school transformation is strong, authentic community connections and actions. The most important thing you can do now is to prepare. Edutopia® and Lucas Education Research™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Working together, kids learn to solve problems and make decisions and successfully contribute to their community. We can't rely on local, state, or federal governments to take ownership of the issues we face locally. All this will serve them now and years later as they transition out of school and into the adult world! Using public schools as hubs, community schools bring together many partners to offer a range of supports and opportunities to children, youth, families and communities.