Community Education Proven Practices II: Networking Strategies.

Overview & Synopsis

Designed to be used by those who wish to initiate or further develop community education programs at the state and local levels, this publication is one of a series of "Proven Practices" developed by federally-funded state and local community education projects. The booklet describes the administrative design and the process used to develop community education in Arkansas. Problems, defeats, and outcomes reached are addressed. The booklet is divided into three chapters. The first describes conditions in Arkansas prior to the initiation of networking strategies, including geographic and population statistics, the educational organization and climate, financial constraints, and the status of community education. It also describes the formation of the Arkansas Community Education Development Association. The second chapter outlines the approach used by Arkansas in developing its community education program, including funding, flexible staffing, board governance, and the Arkansas five-year plan. The third defines and discusses the networking skills necessary to a successful community education program, which include conceptual skills, organizational skills, and communication skills. The booklet highlights the unexpected benefits received from the program and the pitfalls encountered. The final section contains a summary, recommendations, and conclusions. (CM)