Creating a School-Community Culture of Learning

A strong school-community partnership is usually essential for effective implementation of service-learning. The Education Commission of States has published Creating a School-Community Culture of Learning: Exemplary Leadership Practices of Four School Districts, which spotlights four school districts across the United States using exemplary education leadership practices resulting in higher student achievement. Interviews were conducted with students, teachers, administrators, and community members to find out how leadership at all levels of the education system works to increase the achievement of students
with the greatest needs.

The policy brief explores a key leadership strategy common to all four districts: The purposeful cultivation of an environment that reflects – and reinforces – a commitment to:
• Transparency
• Shared leadership
• Focusing on the needs and interests of children.

- Susan, National Service-Learning Partnership