We also dismissed the idea of developing a standard set of questions which each of us could pose to 3-5 people from communities not represented on our committee. We agreed that before our next meeting, each of us would generate a list of community engagement activities that we knew were somehow being effective. Further, we agreed that each of us would also identify any conspicuous gaps in community engagement which could fairly easily be accomplished if attention were focused there. For schools to thrive, school personnel must recognize the need for them to flex with the changes. They will have to understand and respond to the emerging educational needs experienced by various communities in our area.
Governance is an important part of community engagement.
There is tremendous variability throughout the district in how community people are engaged in governance of their schools. Language in our report is important. Words are crude symbols that point to some idea or construct. Some words are value-laden. Communication is essential.