At least two field trips, funded by community groups, are scheduled throughout the year. It has become clear that the continued existence and development of Community Based Learning Centers should not be solely dependent on funding sources external to the public school system. A request for funds has been included in the FY00 budget to maintain the current Centers and develop two more Centers in Howard County. The Learning Centers have become trusted and caring centers of learning in the children's neighborhoods. This has been demonstrated through the consistent and effective academic assistance given by the staff and volunteers.
Most students complete all of their homework before leaving.
From the beginning, it has been the enthusiasm of the students that has influenced their families the most. The best way to have a positive relationship with parents is to have a positive relationship with their children. Even with non-English speaking families there is a level of trust and support because the children are happy with the quality of their homework completion. Parents and teachers give positive written and verbal feedback concerning the quantity and quality of the students' work. The centers have been used as a practicum site for mediated learning and the CPD parent involvement course.