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School Community

The document discusses the importance of community involvement in schools. It argues that strong partnerships between families, community groups, businesses, and schools are needed to support student learning and achievement. Successful school transformation requires community and business partnerships, parental collaboration, real-world curriculum, student voice, and cross-generational learning designed by the local community. Whole community engagement is key to raising schools to meet the needs of 21st century learners.

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Vanessa Tamayo, Ph. D
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28 views2 pages

School Community

The document discusses the importance of community involvement in schools. It argues that strong partnerships between families, community groups, businesses, and schools are needed to support student learning and achievement. Successful school transformation requires community and business partnerships, parental collaboration, real-world curriculum, student voice, and cross-generational learning designed by the local community. Whole community engagement is key to raising schools to meet the needs of 21st century learners.

Uploaded by

Vanessa Tamayo, Ph. D
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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As the old African proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child.

" One could imagine then that it would


take a community to raise a school. We can't rely on local, state, or federal governments to take
ownership of the issues we face locally. We need to work as a community to nurture our schools for our
particular community needs.

I believe the answer to real education/school transformation is strong, authentic community


connections and actions. 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.

Great examples of school/community partnerships are happening all over the world. We need more of
them, and we need to ensure they are healthy and relevant to the needs of 21st century learners.

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.

The more I searched, the themes for successful school transformation emerged:

Community/business school partnerships

Parental collaboration

Curriculum connected to real world experiences

Student voice

Cross generation learning

Locals designing solutions to local problems

Whole Community Engagement Is Key

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. The leading roles should be alternated according to the need and focus of
the particular aspect of the transformation project.

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.

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.
When families, schools, and community institutions (e.g., local businesses, community colleges, and

health agencies) collectively agree upon their goals and decide how to reach them, everyone benefits.

Schools enjoy the informed support of families and community members, families experience many

opportunities to contribute to their children's education, and communities look forward to an educated,

responsible workforce. Benefits accrue to the staff of schools and community agencies as well: they can

observe boosts in morale, heightened engagement in their work, and a feeling that their work will net

results.

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