Based on more than two decades of research, this goal is attainable by all elementary, middle, and high schools with the desire to work toward effective partnerships. While there is no cost to joining the Partnership Schools Network, it does requires a commitment of budget and staff, to be determined locally. Each member must also establish an Action Team for School, Family and Community Partnerships and implement a program of partnership based on the six types. Members receive a partnership manual to guide their work and must communicate semi-annually with the National Partnership Schools Network. Epstein has encouraged the DPI to allow for flexibility in membership while at the same time adhering to basic standards for developing comprehensive partnerships.
Members also are eligible to receive partnership seed grants.
All Wisconsin schools are mailed semi-annual resource learning packets. Many schools already conduct various partnership activities, but can use the Framework and Six Types to focus and organize partnership resources and energies reach out to and involve all families, and link partnerships to improving children s learning. We have learned that it takes at least three to five years to create and maintain a permanent program of partnership that assists students, strengthens families, and improves schools. The state initiative is supported by Goals 2000, Federal Title VI, and state funds. Action Team Grants Other Partnership Teams Organizational Partnership Teams National Network of Partnership Schools website.