Community
Schools
Community Education is the foundation that underlies the use of schools
as Community Schools. At the heart of the Community School is a simple
idea: schools are not just places to teach children, but can be learning
centers for the entire community because learning is lifelong. The facility
is open beyond the traditional school day to provide academic, extracurricular,
recreational, cultural, civic, health, social services, and work force
preparation programs for people of all ages.
The choice of a school site as a community learning center is based
on the school's unique suitability. It is the one neighborhood institution
that is readily accessible to all community members regardless of class,
creed, or color.
The Community School has some important differences from a traditional
school in usage, programs offered, organizational structure, and funding.
Usage
The physical plant, which usually represents the largest local financial
investment, can easily support multiple uses. Most schools are used at
less than one third of their potential, operating six or seven hours a
day, five days a week, nine months a year, In contrast, facility maintenance,
debt service, and other costs continue year-round as do people's education,
recreation, and social service needs. The box contrasts usage of a community
school facility to that of a traditional school.
Programs Offered in Community
Schools
The Community Education program is tailored to local needs and local resources
with the school working in partnership with other community agencies and
organizations. Some of the most common components offered in Community
Schools across the nation are:
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remedial and enrichment activities for children outside of school hours.
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preschool and after-school child care programs.
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school-to-work and other workforce preparation programs.
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career and technical skills upgrading, often in partnership with employers
in the community.
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literacy programs.
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civic and citizenship programs
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adult education and vocational classes.
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noncredit general interest and cultural enrichment classes and activities
for adults.
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recreation, craft, and sports activities for adults and children.
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programs for senior citizens and other special populations.
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intergenerational programs.
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family support and education programs.
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programs that address family and other interpersonal relationships.
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health and human service programs.
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programs that address specific community problems.
Modification of a School's
Organizational Structure
The basic intent in developing a Community School is to open school buildings
on a planned, organized basis and offer programs designed to accurately
reflect a community's needs and concerns. The basic modification in a school's
existing organizational structure is to employ a Community School Director.
The position usually has the rank of an assistant principal reporting directly
to the principal. The director's responsibilities include:
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working with an advisory council of community members to ensure that the
program design accurately reflects community needs and concerns.
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coordinating the programs and activities of various agencies and organizations
operating in the Community School.
Funding Options
In many Community Schools, the dollar value attributed to volunteer services
and financial commitments for programs developed by other agencies and
organizations can be greater than the basic leadership and coordination
costs. In addition, many program activities are self- supporting. But it
is important to provide for professional staff in the budget. This local
commitment is the most permanent base for reliable, continuous Community
Education funding. It also has the major advantage of having local control
of spending decisions. Sources of funding may include:
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school and/or city budgets
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joint funding with municipal or county government agencies.
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fees charged to program participants.
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contributions from businesses and private donors.
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funding for specific programs from federal and state sources.
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grants from corporations and foundations.
Back to Community
Education at FAU
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