Creating Learning Communities: An Introduction to Community Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Schools cannot succeed without collaboration with parents and the community. Defining community education as active community involvement in the education of children, this booklet describes aspects of community education. Community education, the booklet points out, can take place at physical locations such as formal school buildings, which lie dormant much of the year, and recreation centers. The booklet argues that community members must be involved in designing a community education program that meets a large variety of needs, by providing diverse educational services, by promoting interagency cooperation and public-private partnerships, and by providing community improvement and citizen involvement. Possible components of a community education program are suggested: (1) remedial and enrichment activities; (2) noncredit enrichment classes for adults; (3) sports, craft, and other recreation activities for adults and children; (4) preschool and after-school child care; (5) programs serving senior citizens and other special populations; (6) career education; (7) volunteer programs; (8) literacy programs; (9) family education programs; and (10) community newsletters. Sources of possible funding for community education are also listed, including: (1) school or city budgets; (2) municipal or county agencies; (3) fees paid by program participants; (4) federal and state programs; and (5) grants from corporations and foundations. Two important aspects of programs, ongoing assessment and public relations, are noted. Descriptions of various existing community education programs conclude the booklet. (JW)