Such programs involve new actors in school decision-making about ways to best support kids. While schools and school districts across the country are presently implementing the above reforms, these reforms have yet to reach a large number of schools, particularly those with a history of failure in low-income urban communities. The challenge facing community-based organizations is to organize parents and residents, to both hold their schools accountable for implementing the necessary reforms that will result in improved student outcomes, and to help the schools deliver a quality education. There is no one way to do this. The strategy a CBO selects will depend a great deal on how collaborative or resistant the school is.
Politicians increasingly say that education is at the very top of their agendas.
Ultimately, however, only organized, powerful communities can ensure that American public education delivers on its historic promise to educate all our children. While no one strategy will fit all communities, the role of community-based organizations is critical. Eric Zachery is Co-Director of the Community Involvement Program, Institute for Education and Social Policy, New York University. The institute provides technical assistance on school reform to RCI sites.