- Collection:
- Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University Theses and Dissertations
- Title:
- An investigation of school/community partnerships and their effect on school improvement, 2000
- Creator:
- Mapp, Denise D.
- Date of Original:
- 2000-05-01
- Subject:
- Degrees, Academic
Dissertations, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- Many schools and school districts across the country are attempting to improve the quality of education in elementary and secondary schools by creating what is known as school/community partnerships. These partnerships are a combined effort between schools and businesses, churches, universities, or some other community institutions, particularly those in business and industry. They work closely with a local school in providing assistance such as tutors or lecturers, funds, or equipment for vocational studies, computer education, or help in curriculum development. School/community partnerships are not a new endeavor. They have been connected to public schools since their inception. This qualitative research study utilized the case study approach to examine four elementary school partnerships. The case studies were conducted in two successful partnership sites and two less successful sites. The purpose was to explore how the partnerships were initiated, formulated and implemented to impact change at the school level as it relates to student motivation, teacher performance, parent involvement and school reform. The findings suggest that school/community partnerships are an essential ingredient for educational reform. Conclusions indicate that while partnership programs are plentiful and diverse, the most successful programs are well organized and are focused on student needs. The successful cases illustrate how schools and communities involved in partnerships must be characterized by open communication, commitment on the part of the partners (both school and collaboratives), parents, community members, and district office personnel. Two key ingredients of the successful cases is effective collaboration and shared vision. Participants must be skilled and willing to put forth intense efforts to ensure that the collaboration is successful and yields useful results. The successful cases are illustrated by a model for the implementation of a successful school/community partnership on page 165. The failed cases demonstrate that there are barriers that must be removed if the partnerships are truly in place for the improvement of the schools in which they serve. They provide us with insight as to how a lack of commitment, failed communications, ineffective collaboration and a lack of partnership knowledge can impede progress. The best school system and communities will attempt some organized strategy to prepare themselves and their students for the future. It is hoped that this study will encourage both educators and business/community leaders to collaborate and establish partnerships which will aid in the creation of a better future for our children.
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:2000_mapp_denise_d
- Rights Holder:
- Clark Atlanta University
- Holding Institution:
- Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
- Rights:
-
