Partnerships with parent and community groups, universities, and others play a critical role in making schools the true centers of learning in their communities. Partnerships can include:
• Community Learning Centers -- where K-12 schools provide space for adult education, child care and health services, and community events.
• Volunteer Programs -- where community members and business volunteers connect students to the real world.
• Parent Programs -- which can range from classes in the school for parents, taught by students, to home visits where school staff visit and welcome parents and students each new school year.
Where such partnerships exist, students benefit by seeing the deep links between school learning and life outside of school, and communities have more information to understand and support the efforts of local schools.
The variety of examples in this exhibit reveal some ways school/community partnerships are actualized. Perhaps you will want to see what already exists in your community and develop your own special partnerships to meet local needs.
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