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| | | | Community Partnerships
 | | Creating forward-looking and inclusive networks... |
That is, the family is expected to do its job and leave the education of children to the schools. If educators view students as children, they are likely to see both the family and the community as partners with the school in children's education and development. Partners recognize their shared interests in and responsibilities for children, and they work together to create better programs and opportunities for students.
There are many reasons for developing school, family, and community partnerships. They can improve school programs and school climate, provide family services and support, increase parents' skills and leadership, connect families with others in the school and in the community, and help teachers with their work. However, the main reason to create such partnerships is to help all youngsters succeed in school and in later life. When parents, teachers, students, and others view one another as partners in education, a caring community forms around students and begins its work."
In the November, 2004 issue of "The Urban Review", an article, " Linking School–Family–Community Partnerships in Urban Elementary Schools to Student Achievement on State Tests" by Steven B. Sheldon, he examines the relationship between the quality of school, family, and community partnership programs and student performance on state-mandated achievement tests. "Data from 82 elementary schools, located in a large urban area, were collected to explore the relationship between family and community involvement and students' achievement test performance. Analyses show that, controlling for school characteristics, the degree to which schools were working to overcome challenges to family and community involvement predicted higher percentages of students scoring at or above satisfactory on state achievement tests. The findings suggest that schools' efforts to involve families and the community in students' learning may be a useful approach to help students achieve in school, especially for students in early elementary grades. Also, the findings illustrate the importance for schools located in large urban areas to address obstacles to family and community involvement to realize the benefits associated with family and community involvement."
We value our children, our parents, our teachers, our support staff, our administrators, and our community, and our school district. We are SOOOOOOO fortunate to be in partnership this year with the Minnesota Children's Museum. More information on this wondrous adventure coming soon...
We utilize the rich resources of the community such as experts, visiting artists, scientists, naturalists, field trips and community partnerships to enhance student experiences and learning. Students will serve in the community through service projects to learn the importance of stewardship.
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