A good education produces young people with a positive sense of self-concept and sound emotional and mental well-being.
These young people will be able to form healthy, positive relationships with their parents, family members, and the broad community. Additionally, they will become resilient adults who can adapt to life's challenges and the ever-evolving global demands.
The school on its own can not instill these values. In the same vein, parents and social groupings alone can not produce well-rounded individuals.
This is why the school and the community must collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for young people. Today, we will offer strategies for building relationships between the school and the community to promote student success.
When schools and communities work together:
In a case study of the Oakland Unified School District, researchers found that community involvement had a positive impact on school outcomes.
According to the case study, Oakland International High School is a successful case of a great school and community partnership.
In 2010, 29% of the schools' population were recent immigrants from other countries. The majority of the school’s students were refugees who had endured difficult trauma, which was pulling down school outcomes.
Through successful community-school engagement programs, they managed to turn the situation around. For instance, they offered after-school language classes for school learners and their parents.
Here are some of the positive results of these initiatives.
It’s plain to see that the community and school can help young people achieve more when they work together.
Here are some strategies for bridging the gap between the school and the community.
Research on school-community partnerships in rural Tennessee schools established that the community is more invested in learning outcomes if they are treated as equal partners.
If school leaders make it clear to all stakeholders that they are an equal partner in the children’s development, the result is a solid school-community relationship.
The school should view communities and families as equal experts in a child’s education. In addition, schools should tap into the values and strengths that the outside parties bring to the table.
Plus, it helps cultivate a sense of trust and belonging among students, educators in the school districts, and families by partnering with the community.
For instance, schools can invite community organizations and families to take the lead in some school programs and events, such as quiz competitions, athletic events, or talent shows.
In his best-selling classic, Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam demonstrates a huge concern over the declining social capital in America. He notes communities are no longer as engaged in running organizations such as schools as they used to be, leading to a decline in social capital.
How can school administrators engage and restore social capital in a society where nobody seems to care?
A great way to do this is to become joiners and connectors.
Connect with external stakeholders by taking part in community-based organizations which support learning and children’s education.
For example, linking your school’s learners with institutions like the Rotary International or Kiwanis International, which have strong connections to local community members and can provide mentorship, service opportunities, and real-world learning experiences.
That way, students learn positive ways to care more about their communities.
Another way to join is to utilize Positive Action, an evidence-based school program that integrates community involvement in whole-child education.
The Positive Action program recognizes and addresses the influence of social relationships, family engagement, and community involvement in students’ learning and social and emotional growth.
It provides students opportunities to participate in activities and projects that encourage them to apply learned concepts both in and out of school, promoting their personal growth and the well-being of the wider community.
To establish community-building activities, involve all members in the learning process.
For example, a social studies teacher could bring in a guest speaker from the school district to interact with the students and share issues facing the district. This gives students real-life experience while building a strong bond between the school and the community.
Schools can also involve former students as peer mentors or role models.
Studies show that school-based mentoring programs result in improved performance and reduced absenteeism. These buddy/mentoring programs naturally link the school with their communities.
By engaging with the community, schools can establish strong relationships with stakeholders. Teachers can interact with the school neighborhood and local businesses.
Sharing your school’s vision as you engage with social groups helps instill mutual understanding. These collaborations serve to strengthen school and community partnerships.
Some examples of community participation include:
Internet safety remains a significant concern for educational institutions. In a study conducted by Schoology on the state of digital learning, a third of respondents reported being concerned about the internet safety situation in schools.
You can involve your school’s community in alleviating their fears. Chances are, you’ll find people who specialize in cybercrime and internet crimes against children within your local law enforcement agencies.
These professionals are invaluable resources. Have them as guest speakers and allow them to share their ideas and technology policies. This is a great way to start the conversation about preventing cyberbullying and protecting your learners.
Most local enforcement agencies partner with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC). Access to ICAC provides you with a wealth of resourceful content, including videos, which can be particularly helpful for your school.
A community resource map is a visual representation of various skills available in your community that your school can benefit from.
There are many experts and services within your community which can significantly benefit your school. By creating a resource map, you’ll get to know what services or materials people can access at your school for free or at an agreeable cost.
Once you map out these resources, you can leverage your local connections to create mutually beneficial outcomes.
A great school-community relationship creates a sense of belonging among students, teachers, and parents. It increases student learning opportunities while creating an inclusive learning environment.
Additionally, it fosters a strong sense of responsibility among all stakeholders. This is because all community members understand that they play a vital role in the learning of pupils.
The key to strong relationships is to establish a clear, shared vision. Turn to Positive Action to bridge the gap between school and community.
At its core, the program's comprehensive curricula are designed to promote strong school-community relationships. From whole child and life-skills education to family lessons and prevention series, Positive Action lessons recognize the importance of community involvement in youth development.
The program holistically improves:
Discover how Positive Action’s evidence-based programs can help you strengthen school-community relationships. Connect with us today and take the first step toward building educational leadership through meaningful community support.
