It turns out the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” also applies to creating and maintaining great schools. Research shows that successful schools depend on the combined input and energy of all stakeholders—school staff, students, parents and community members. Meaningful community engagement goes well beyond the traditional open house events and newsletters. It involves everyone in setting goals, solving problems, voicing ideas, learning new skills and taking action to create an environment where all students achieve at high levels.
Successful community engagement takes time and commitment. The process begins with listening to what people have to say and assessing what is important to them. Then, identify and inform them about opportunities for taking action. Then stakeholders need to learn the skills necessary to get involved in meaningful ways. Too often, community engagement is an afterthought or remains on the bottom of the list of things to do in the busy schedules of teachers, administrators and district staff. But schools cannot do the job they are meant to do in isolation; they need the active, informed involvement of stakeholders to achieve their goals.
Essential to the success of any community engagement effort is the development of a strategic plan to ensure the school engages the right people at the right time, is clear what it wants people to do once they are on board, and engages them in meaningful work that brings good results.
What are the key elements to build and maintain community engagement?
- Equitable communication. Effective community engagement means everyone’s voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every person—regardless of their racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic or socioeconomic backgrounds—is welcomed as a valued member of the dialogue.
- Student engagement. No one knows more than students about the strengths and weaknesses of schools from inside school walls. When asked what they think about schools, students are insightful when speaking from their own experiences. Student input is a critical component for small school design and governance.
- Parent engagement. Parents are the most influential force in their children’s lives. When parents are partners and leaders in school decision-making, they develop essential skills to advocate for their own and all children.
- Community engagement . The community is the source of ideas, resources and political leverage. Including the perspective of community members ensures there is common understanding of what knowledge and skills students need to be productive citizens, and how schools can empower students to define and achieve their goals.
Review these elements on the Oregon Small Schools Initiative School Change Rubric Self-Assessment Tool.
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