1
2	Community Education and Neighborhoods Community Education - Programs “The unique role of community organizing in education is in building community capacity and linking to school improvement through public accountability” Cross City Campaign for Urban School Reform
3	Second Grade Reading Score
4	Social Capital – Asset Scores
5	High School Cohort Drop Out Rates
6	Institutional Responses - Philosophy Johns Hopkins University, Center for School, Family, and Community Partnerships Create more “family like” schools Create more “school like” families When concepts combine, students experience learning communities or caring communities
7	Elements of “Family-School Partnerships” Model Parenting. Establish home environment to support students Communications. Home-to-school and school-to-home / regarding programs and student progress Volunteering. Recruit parents to help and support student Learning at home. Provide information to families to help with homework and lessons
8	Elements of “Family-School Partnerships” Model Decision making. Include parents in school decisions. Develop parent leadership Collaborating with community. Resources from community to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.
9	Community Education Programs - Albuquerque Comprehensive Child Development Centers 0-3 yr olds (Early Head Start) & 3-5 yr olds. (also Federal Head Start) $12,400/family & $5,300/child - Albq 10% of students in need in Albq prog. Enriched family-based education, drug and alcohol abuse programs, job training, housing, transportation, counseling Evaluation indicates long-term positive benefits for young people
10	Community Education Programs - Albuquerque Before/After-School Latchkey & Playground 30 of 64 elementary schools served Sliding fee scale 30-60 children per school site $1,000/child cost No evaluation and weak linkage to curriculum Private providers at addtl 28 sites Community Center Program 19 centers $575/person “enrolled” School and Child Center Food Program
11	Community Education Programs - Albuquerque Middle School Cluster Initiative 63 of 64 elementary schools & 19 middle schools Policy based $30 to $60 k per m.s. $5 to $12 k per e.s. $245/child cost Evaluation indicates weak policy guidance Elementary programs include: tutoring, conflict mediation, counseling, writing and reading clubs, leadership, homework asst, behavior, attendance Middle school programs: academic contracts, in-school suspension, tutoring, homework asst, math / science / reading clubs, family literacy and counseling, support groups, community service, conflict mediation
12	Community Education Programs - Albuquerque High School mentoring All 10 high schools and alternative schools $1,000 / student Human services collaboratives 3 school sites Medical / mental health care, crisis intervention, social services, outreach High School drop out prevention 8 high schools Programs: academic, service learning, school to work, social services, in-school suspension Weak integration with high school programs
13	Before- After-School Program Evaluations Need to link before- and after-school programs to day curriculum. Availability of tested curriculum for after-school programs Communications, trust, common purpose with teaching staff and administration. Address specific goals related to student needs Structure and continuity of effort with student
14	Before- After-School Program Evaluations Redefine staff development / training Active community involvement Overcome barriers: cost, transportation, taking care of siblings Evaluate
15	Challenges of “Family-School Partnerships” Model Avoid participation “bias” in terms of working with parents. Two-way communications Positively integrate cultural differences Leadership training Make use of parents’ talents Involve parents in curriculum decisions Community means all interests, not just residents with children in school Ensure equity of opportunities and expectations
16	Community Service Learning Involvement in Community As Formal Learning Learning occurs as people interact with environment Based on direct experience and reflection Structure: planning / preparation, teacher training, service, curriculum integration, reflection, evaluation Outcomes Problem solving, critical thinking, self-esteem, assertiveness, knowledge, efficacy, engagement, community improvement Develops broader community-school relationship
17
18	Community Organizing for School Reform “A neighborhood and a school are bound together from the vantage point of parents and community members” “Takes more than an institutionalized structure, such as a local school council, for authentic and full participation. . .”
19	Community Organizing for School Reform Critical Activities for School Reform Leadership development Community power* Social capital* Public accountability* Equity School / community connection High quality instruction & curriculum Positive school climate
20	School Reform Organizing Model
21	Community Organizing Rationale Sustain the vision & momentum Persist despite setbacks Build political capital and political will Produce change that reflects concerns of parents & community
22	Community Organizing for School Reform Texas IAF. “How can we create and develop a political constituency and political leaders to organize the community to improve our schools and community?” “The most common strategies for accumulating social capital did not develop within the boundaries of the school but rather in . . . neighborhoods”