STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

STRATEGIES FOR

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

This booklet outlines specific details of a varietyof community involvement activities which have beenundertaken successfully in schools .

The activities have been organized into the followingcategories :-

Community as Recipients

Community as Supporters and Non-InstructionalVolunteers

Community as Instructional Volunteers

Each activity is explored under the headings of :-

Type of Activity

Why it Occurred

Who were the Key Personnel

Organization

Additional information on the activities described canbe obtained by contacting the Priority SchoolsProgramme on 420 4940 .

COMMUNITY AS RECIPIENTS

AREAS OF FOCUS

Phone tree

Broadsheet

Assemblies (entertainment & tea)

School dance

Morning teas

Information nights

Arts show

Radio programme (talkback)

Barbecues

Kids into communitydramaworking in mallserving comm .arents on excursionsgrab-a-granny

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

1

Kids Into Community

WHY IT OCCURREDWHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNEL ORGANIZATION

Gain support of whole schoolInform school communityContact with Senior CitizensHomeAssembly item taken to SeniorCitizens HomeAdvertise programmeApproach media eg local paperChildren write letter of thanks

Gain support of whole schoolInform school communityApproach management of shoppingcentreDecision onResources -

who, when and howmaterials, seating,

personnel, security, toilets,recesses, accoustics, power pointPrior advertisementApproach media eg local paperPersonnel - consider help neededeg parents aides, student teacherstudentsFeedback - monitoring egquestionnaire to shoppers & centipersonnel & studentsChildren write letter of thanks

1 .1 Drama Caring & Sharing Teacher at PrimaryPromotion SchoolStudents' Self EsteemTheatre Arts SkillsUnderstandingcommunity needs

1 .2 Class in To give the community Volunteer ClassShopping Centre a detailed knowledge Teacher

of classroom procedure Group of TeachersPromotion (School as SupportImage)

TYPE OF ACTIVITY WHY IT OCCURRED WHO WERE THE ORGANIZATIONKEY PERSONNEL

1 .3 Community Understanding/ Class teacher . Gain support of whole school/Services appreciation of Students organized inform school communityeg gardening people less well into groups . Identify people in need through

cleaning off than themselves . Shire, Welfare Officer &minor repairs Mutual strokes Volunteer Task Forcetidying yard Self esteem/social Home-handy person training courseremoving development Arrange transportrubbish Promotion Tools (submission)

Development of Liaise with Rotary Club for jobleadership, sharingresponsibilities & Timetablingco-operation skills Keep record for on-going

arrangementsApproach media eg local(but think about this one)

1 .4 Sing-song, As Above Groups of students Decision to form a club fromlight luncheon organized into children's suggesntions

clubs Decided on type of activitywhen, what resourcesFunding for activities (submission)Domestic arrangementseg timetabling, cooking facilitiesTransport

1 .5 Meals on wheels As Above Teachers Gain support of whole school/Hospital visits Learning structure - Whole Class inform school community

of organizations - Groups Contact Community ServicesSense of giving/ such as Meals on Wheels, thebeing needed local hospital, Social Services,

the local ShireLead up programme specific toactivity - guest speakersTransport

"off-the-subject'interruptions)

ORGANIZATION

Notify parents of class/schoolexcrusions and purposeExtra bus or transport forparents if required

As a result of children in thecommunity (see point 1)relationships can be reinforcedand encouraged so that formalbuddy systems can be developed .Ongoing "friendships" betweenpairs of adults/children orchildren to other children areformed .

Advertise . . .Specific nights forTime limitFeedback/evaluationHandoutsSupper!

subject/issue

form

TYPE OF ACTIVITY WHY IT OCCURRED WHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNEL

2 Excursions in which Enjoyment Principalparents accompany Sharing in school Class Teacherstheir children programmewithout being Public Relationsallocated a task or Broadening Experienceresponsibilityeg enjoyment/learning experience

3 Buddy System

Adult/child Caring/sharing Teachersrelationships Appreciationinvolving visits Understandinginto the community Responsibilityand vice versa . " Co-operationeg Senior Citizens

Rocky BayDavid BrandAutisticChildren

4 Information Nights Inform parents about Principal, teachers,year programmes, policy guidance officerchanges/curriculum etc "Minder'

(parent to prevent

Tape programmeTeachers use tape if andappropriateClass promotes own

when

programme

TYPE OF ACTIVITY WHY IT OCCURRED WHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNEL ORGANIZATION

5 Art Show

(Exhibition/Sale Promotion School/community Venue (School hall library)of Community, Cultrual Exchange Sub Committee of Promotion (posters, applicationarts & crafts) Fundraising (for P & C froms for exhibitors)

school arts prog .) Business Community Sub Committee select piecesExpansion of Local Council Equipment for displaysschool community Known Artist (local council, art centre)Awareness of Craft person-in- Securitycommunity resources residence (in CanteenP & C to purchase school)Art/Craft peicesfor school

6 Barbecues/Picnic Socialization Parents Hire of barbecuesChildren Canteen (sell packs etc)Staff See caretaker

AdvertisementFeedbackWhole school or groups of club

7 Radio Programme

(Talkback section Sharing experience School Community Regular radio programmeof school programme Guest Speaker Rotated through classesinvolving guest Class teacher/ Invite guest speakerspeaker) children (Week 1 talk

Week 2 answer questions)

10 Assemblies

(Morning tea etc)

a EntertainmentPromotion

ParentsSocialization forparents/teachers

ORGANIZATION

2 or more parents per classto ring/visit other parentsfor :

- meetings- school activities

Principal holds monthly meetingswith them1 Rep reports to P & C

e 1 per familya Can be for class only or whole

schoolChildren's work chosen

School population

(eg Teacher may wish to advertisean event . That class then assumesresponsibility for the broadsheet)

Video of assembly to show atparent nights/afternoons(selective)Morning tea following withguest speaker for parents

(Suggestion - parents/teachersrotate morning tea preparation)


8 Phone Tree 9 Promotion TeachersSharing ParentsResponsibilitiesResource IndexOrganize parentsfor outings etc

9 Broadsheet

(Regular single 0 Simplicity of Principal & Subsheet - messages Committeeattractively 9 Promotion (Teachers/Parents)presented . a Display ofLarge print A .3 children's worksize) a Too big to miss

Canteen ads

Visiting schools


11 School Dance

(Discos, ethnic) a Entertainment * School Community a Venue - (may be high schoolSocialization (Incl extended hall)Sharing families) * Music/tickets sold to pay bandCommunity Spirit * Whole school or 9 Advertise/media

upper school a Bring plate (canteen drinks)

COMMUNITY AS SUPPORTERS ANDNON-INSTRUCTIONAL VOLUNTEERS

AREA OF FOCUS

Supporters & Non Instructional Volunteers

Parents as class/school co-ordinators

Whole school eventsClass events

Parents as resource people (plus suppliersof resources)

Camp Support - Food- Supervision- Activities

Excursions

Media Club

Mothers' Club

Use of local business facilities

Playground involvement

Breakfast Bar

Transport

School supporting community

Little sisters of the Poor

Speech & Hearing Centre

Meals on Wheels

Autumn Centre

WHY IT OCCURRED WHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNEL

Support for teacher

Classroom co-ordinator enlists

- planning

help of other- time

community members- produce materials- help with super-vision of children

- organize transport- plan activities/prepost

- increase children'sself esteem

- increase parent'sself esteem

- provide communityperspective toexcursions

- breaks down barriers-community becomesaware of value ofincursions/excursions

ORGANIZATION

Classroom teacher &co-ordinator meet todiscuss excursions/incursionson format/aims etc - atvarious intervals duringplanningDevelop action plan (teacher -co-ordinator)Co-ordinator contacts communitymembers (either direct contact/indirect contact)Finalize planning - identifyspecific role of : -

teachercommunity members duringexcursions - inform allparties of these rolesaction plan for follow up

than as instructionalvolunteer

- provides alternativesfor publishingchildren's week

- provides for widerdistribution ofpublished work becauseof improved presentation

- promotes work done inschool in the community

- creates an awareness ofschool curriculum/activities


ORGANIZATION

1 .2 Typing of : - quality presentation As above * Teacher/co-ordinator meet to planof children's writing details eg role of community

Conference - raise students' o Co-ordinator would plan, takingwriting aspirations following into consideration,Booklet Production - provide incentive for - timetablingSchool Magazine children to write for - rosteringBroadsheets etc an audience - tasks to be performed

- gives parents a chance - distribution/organizationto be involved other of materials

WHY IT OCCURRED

Feel welcome/at home/in the communityEncouragement to besupportersProvide relevantinformation so theyaware of currentsituationBecome included inchildren's educationalactivitiesAwareness of schoolspolicies (standards)To feel part of thecommunityLetting them know howthey can assist theirchildren

are

WHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNEL

Provide opportunity

As abovefor parents to developskillsSupport for classteacherIncreased visualpresentation ofchildren's weekTo increase parents',teachers' andchildren's self esteemEnhance school displaysCreates awareness ofschool curriculumactivitiesSupports schoolcurriculum eg conferencewriting,school magazineexperiential programme

As above

ORGANIZATION

Training inservice for communitymembersArrange funding for inserviceMaterials through appropriatefunding source eg ProfessionalDevelopmentEnlist participantsCo-_ordinator -- organizes materials &accessibility

- plans roster of communitymembers

- plans displays- organizes distribution ofdeveloped work

Co-ordinator to liaise withstaff to maintain ongoing programme

Teacher informs co-ordinatorof NEW community membersCo-ordinator can arrange contact- this may involve other parentseg a morning teaCo-ordinator arrange an informalmeeting between teacher & newparent to ensure parent is wellinformed


2 Acting on school's To improve/enhance School co- Draw up an index of communitybehalf by the image of the ordinator resources (eg Apex, Rotary,representing school Teacher JC's Youth Club, Silver Chainschool at community Enhance an awareness etc)meeting to outline of school programmes Arrange communication withwhat is happening Provide a liaison these resourcesat school - school List of community members

- community available to act as delegates .Provide a contact Organise delegatesperson Organize people to attend specific

meetingsDissemination of informationIf appropriate relate to schoolprogramme

COMMUNITY AS INSTRUCTIONAL VOLUNTEERS

TalksCamps/Excursions

AREAS OF FOCUS

Parents as instructional Vol .

( GainingTraining

( Keeping

* Special days - one "off"

With expertiseWithout (they facilitate)

* Options/Clubs - Sport coaching

* Parents sharing "up-front" expertise

* Community talks - army etc

* Small group work in curriculum areas (reading, listening)

* Work in curriculum areas

* Out of hours - ie ideo after schoolholiday activities

* Parents instructing other parents

RGANIZATION

uggested Model

Identifying the need

Staff Goals - curriculum- parent assistance

- ongoingappreciationparents

Communication with parents

note to parents (see parentsas recipients)follow-up meeting (staff/parent) information sessiongain list of volunteers -days available

In-service for parents

use staff/Advisory teacherexplain overall processteachers explain classspecifics

Class Organization

- roster- be aware problems will arise

Monitoring/Re-planning

Evaluation of whole programme

of

timetable regular discussion(staff/parent) at class levelconsider child views

- staff & parents


1' Assisting with small More teacher/parent Teacher/Administrationgroup work in contact with students Parentscurriculum areas to improve student Community 1

performance Advisory Teacher/PSP Personnel 2

3

4

5

6

7

2

Community as

9 Extend use of

Administration

Identify Needinstructional

school facilitiesvolunteers for

Teachers

- School initiative

- Resource Index

WHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNELTYPE OF ACTIVITY

WHY IT OCCURRED

ORGANIZATION

(Material relevant tocompiling a communityresource index availablefrom regional field officer)

out-of-hoursactivities forthe schoolpopulation

- for school- for community

a Extend range ofactivities not

Parents

Community

- Community Initiative- Individual/Group

9 Important Considerations

- video clubs normally catered - ethnic groups - Ground rules for use of- youth clubs for in school day - drama facilities- holiday programmes - service groups - Line of communication must- clubs, options a Controlled use of - CATS be available for queries/- languages leisure activities - sporting group problems

- OSCCAA - AdministrationMeeting community - shire - legal responsibilitiesneeds - security

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

WHY IT OCCURRED WHO WERE THEKEY PERSONNEL ORGANIZATION

3

Community asinstructionalvolunteerssharingexpertise

- Parent/Teacherco-ordinator

9 Broaden resources

* Adding specificknowledge &experience

Anyone with expertise 3 .1 Establish Resource Index(Material relevant tocompiling a communityresource index availablefrom regional field offices

Access to wider a) Identify resourcesresources needed

"Real Life" - staff surveyexamples

b) How are you going tocollect?

- survey form

c) How are you going tomanage?

- Compile card index

d) Who is going to manage :


WHY IT OCCURRED

ORGANIZATION

3 .2 Using Resource Index

3 .2 .1 Volunteers for short termprojects

You could :

Make phone contact

Send appropriateinformation

Class co-ordinator talksto parents

Acknowledge contributionof volunteers(Material relevant tovolunteer helpers in theclassroom available fromregional field officer)

3 .2 .2 Using volunteers for co-operative planning for longterm projects

A POSSIBLE MODEL

Identify the need

(Teacher, staff, parentsor combination toconsider the viabilityof the project)

Initial communication ofidea to community


WHY IT OCCURRED

ORGANIZATION

Conduct on Open Meeting

' Rationale

- Benefits for children- How this fits into the

school programme

' Time Line

' Resources

- Gaining commitment (refer theresource index or get commitmentat the meeting)

' Action Plan

Training for Instructional Volunteers

- Training . They may need toeffectively share their expertise

- Knowledge of resources

Monitoring

BACKGROUND

The Disadvant-p-, SchoolsProgramme (National Title)stresses that programmefunds are intended toenable school committees,which include parent andcomwnity members to :

a Identify local needs

a Review schoolobjectives and operations

Draw uP quality proposalsfor improving learningoutcomes

Develop curriculum moreclosely related to lifeexperiences of studentsat the schools

Bring about closerassociation between theschool and its parentsand community

a Develop techniques andprocesses to evaluatethe outcomes of theprogramme

In W A the Priority SchoolsProgramme has a structurefor decision making thatincludes parents andcommunity members atschools, regional andstate level . However,in light of the continuedstrong emphasis onParticipative decision makinfrom the Schools Commissioncoupled with two majorstate initiatives ieBeazley and CommunityParticipation Field Officersit is an opportune time toreview existing structuresfor community involvementand participation .

It wasto this end that thePriority Schools "team"decided to work onleveloping a communityinteraction policy .

RATIONALE

Community Inteha,- thon hban integral part :l thePriority SchoolsProgramme . It is seenas a valuable aspectof enhancing children'seducation through -

a raising parentawareness ofeducational issues

v assistance 'with theschool educationalprogramme

a involvement in schools

a participation indecision making

Research and experiencede hmonstrates tatpac

a

a improves schoolattendance

e improves study habits

a reduces disciplineproblem

a allows the school todevelop relevantlearning experiencesbased on the mutualawareness of the needsof community andschool

The total schoolcommunity (students,school staff andcommunity members) cannow accept responsibilityfor the operation ofthe school programme/

OBJECTIVES

1.2 a as supporters andnon-instructional

1 .3 a as educators andlearners

3 . To provide schools withassistance and skills whichwill enable them to develop& implement this policy

OPERATION & ORGANIZATION

eg visits to institutions

2 . COMMUNITY AS SUPPORTERS AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL VOLUNTEERSe SUPPORT

3 . COMMUNITY AS EDUCATORS & LEARNERSe EDUCATORS

.RESOURCES

grants) - P .D .

a Community TaskForce Funding

To encourage parents to continue to act as educators with their children at home .

a LEARNERS

Parent information courses on how children learn current school curriculum .Parents training courses eg S .T .E .P ., Small group management courses

EVALUATION

WHAT a Each regionrecordscurrentlevels of

1 .4 a as instructional 4 . COMMUNITY AS INSTRUCTIONAL VOLUNTEERS involvementvolunteers within e WORKSHOPS in eachthe school 'Parents given the skills to assist with : process writing, mathematics school . -programme problem solving, small group dynamics, independent research skills . information

is recordeda LIAISON PERSON on a grid

Communication link between teachers & parents system ando RESOURCES INDEX stored atAvailable community members for interaction in the school P .S .P .

Head Office

1 To encourage schools PSP Officers will assist schools toto devise their own frame organizational structures appropriate to the school community.Community Inter- implement a variety of activities appropriate to school/community needs . Communityaction Policy to A sample of the range of activities which may be undertaken to meet the Participationencompass the wide objectives is outlined below . Field Officersrange of areas a PSP Officersoutlined below .

The involvement of a Home LiaisonCommunity members; Officers

1 .1 a in developing 1 . COMMUNITY AS RECIPIENTS a "Directory ofcommunication as

a COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION Strategies" 7a two-way process a Community Agenciesbetween school Newsletters, Reports, CHildren's magazines, Newspapers . . . .and community a PUBLIC RELATIONS e W.A .C .S .S .O .

Establish merit of a drop-in-centre, Assemblies, Special functions & concerts, Funding AgenciesAfternoon teas, parent nights, Correspondence from children to community, a MulticulturalChildren identifying positive aspects Of the school day, Special projects (Small scale

rent participation inildren's learning -

increase the chances

volunteers withinthe school programme P&C - organizing fund raising

- liaising with local community governments- mothers club- canteen etc

Source Booklet

a Choice &Diversity(Booklet)

of a child's success Transport, Assisting with special functions, Attendance at school functionsat school Developing a community resource index, Parent Liaison person e P.E .P .

raises children's aitd e NON-INSTRUCTIONAL VOLUNTEERS e Schools

parents self esteem Camps, Excursions, Libraries, Preparation of teaching aids, Interschool a Communitysport, Co-ordinating extra curricula activities - quiz nights, socials

1 .5 a as decision makerswithin the school

a PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN CLUBS

0 PARENT TALKS Eg Occupation, Travel, Ethnic Culture

5 COMMUNITY AS DECISION MAKERSa Participation in decisions related to PSP ie Needs Assessment, Preparation

& priority of submissiona Participation in school decision : School Council - school grounds, non-teaching

WHO a RegionalOfficers

WIZEN a By June 30

e meeting instaff, school policies, finance, curriculum . November to

2 . The involvement of updatecommunity members who records andpreviously been discussuninvolved . results

WHEN :

WHERE:

CONTACT:

METROPOLITAN NORTH EAST REGION

PRIORITY SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

VOLUNTEERS IN THE CLASSROOM

AIMS:

To allow schools to share theirsuccesses and difficulties inusing volunteers .

To examine ways to attract,train, use, keep, manage andevaluate volunteers .

PARTICIPANTS: Administrators, Interested Teachers, Home LiaisonOfficers, Parents .

9 a .m . to 3 :30 p .m . - 19th November 1986

Mirrabooka TavernChesterfield RoadMirrabooka

Your curriculum co-ordinator 275 5055 orleave a message on 384 9043

STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

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