I would recommend that you begin by creating one or more cross-functional
teams to determine the most important needs of the school. Stakeholders
should come together to express their views (teachers, students, parents,
and other volunteers). This should be viewed as a process, as opposed to
a goal-oriented one-shot deal. Questions to be posed:
Is the school meeting the needs of the community?
Is the school meeting the needs of parents?
Students? Teachers?
Do we share a sense that we are all in this together?
Do we share a common vision? What is important to us?
What is our "common unity" (community)?
Where are the gaps between where we are and where we want to be?
Some things schools have done include
-schoolwide community service projects
-set up programs in response to community needs (e.g. literacy or public
health)
-open school to the public after hours
-establish the school as a community resource
-open avenues of communication at all levels
-institute a theme for the year and involve everyone in accomplishing a
common goal (illustrate the vision in a mural, write essays, do service
projects, emphasis on creativity and accomplishment)
Training topics for teachers would include facilitative leadership,
collaborative learning, community service learning. Collaborative
learning is particularly appropriate for team learning in the classroom.
Training and including reflection discussion would help teachers to
institute new ways of student-centered learning.
As a (former) AmeriCorps Program Officer, I have spoken with a number of
public school principals and teachers regarding the above, and I would be
happy to respond to any questions. You might also contact your local
AmeriCorps program for possible volunteer assistance.
--Genene Koebelin koebelin@cwix.com
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>