Parent and Community Engagement: Has Its Time Finally Come?

published March 2^nd, 2011 in Ed Week

Yes, yes, yes! Finally an article written by someone who realizes that it takes more than just a phenomenal teacher to produce a well rounded, intelligent, successful member of society. Education should not be delegated to schools alone. Instead it should be a shared responsibility between home, school, and community. At the national level I have heard increasing talk lately about the transition to community schools and this being a buzz word for future federal grants. Each school district has a slightly different interpretation of what a community school model may look like, but basically the school is used at a hub for the community. It’s doors are open almost 24hrs. A before school program gives students a place to go and engaging activities when parents have to leave early for work. After school programs invite in community organizations to teach students sports, arts, music, etc. The schools do not pay for these programs, but the students may pay a small participation fee. In return the organization has a facility to use where they can teach students, and will not need to rent space. Parents are also encouraged to come into the school to be homework mentors or to lead enrichment activities such as crafts, scrapbooking, sewing, and cooking. In the later evenings, schools can become a place for parents to take classes. Local community colleges are invited to use school space to offer classes for parents such as budgeting, computer classes, foreign language or English classes, etc. The school would provide activities for students during that time, so that the parents can study. This community school model is what Sheridan School District is in the process of implementing. It takes a lot of commitment from many different parties and a diligent person to organize and oversee it all.

I agree with the comment made in the article that, “without a much more powerful and successful approach to education, our society will fail its future. Ultimately education will only advance if we accept it as a shared responsibility and stop expecting schools to deliver it for us.” I think many school personnel would be amazed at how many volunteers are ready and waiting in their community. All they need to do is ask for the support!