Fall, 1998 No. 5  National Network of Partnership Schools

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National Network Selected as a Tool for Comprehensive School Reform

The National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) was identified as one of 27 research-based comprehensive school reform models supported by the National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students of the U. S. Department of Education. The school improvement approaches are described in a directory, Tools for Schools, along with information on why each program started, how it works, what it costs, how it is implemented, its research base, evidence of success, and contacts for more information. States, districts, and schools may use the Network’s research-based Action Team approach as a Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) program.

Eligibility and Requirements of CSRD

The new federal Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) Program (also known as the Obey-Porter initiative) will award about $150 million to states that apply for these funds. According to the legislation, states will conduct competitive grants programs for eligible schools that "need to substantially improve student achievement, particularly Title I schools." Grants of at least $50,000 per year for three years will be awarded to schools selected by their states. Some school-wide Title I members of the National Network of Partnership Schools may be eligible for this funding.

The Network’s approach includes the nine components for comprehensive school reform specified in the CSRD legislation. They are: a research-based method; aligned components for effective school functioning; professional development; measurable goals; school support; parent and community involvement; external technical support; evaluation strategies; and the coordination of resources. The Network’s Action Team approach; framework of six types of involvement; on-going staff development with training, handbook, newsletters, guidelines, e-mail and web site assistance; and research and evaluation opportunities enable schools to organize and implement comprehensive reform to meet school goals for student success in school. The National Network of Partnership Schools also can serve as the family and community component in other school reform models, and in other proposals for funds for school improvement.

CSRD funds may be used to support on-site facilitators who are Key Contacts to the Network, and who work with their Action Teams to plan, implement, evaluate, and continually improve activities linked to school improvement goals. Funds also may be used for staff development to help teachers, administrators, and parents on Action Teams work together to develop and implement clear action plans to meet school goals.  (Updated, 12/01:  Contact NNPS for a packet of information on how the Partnership Schools-CSR model can help organize whole-school change.)

Federal Funding Information

For more information on CSRD and other federal funding opportunities, see www.ed.gov/funding.html. Districts and schools should ask their state departments of education for information about SCRD requirements.  Tools for Schools is available from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington DC  20208.

Two School Districts in NNPS Win Awards

Ypsilanti, Michigan and Sacramento, California, district members of the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS), were recognized by Hand-in-Hand with awards for excellent work on school, family, and community partnerships. The monetary awards were the result of a competitive application process completed in the spring of 1998 by Hand-in-Hand, a program of the Institute of Educational Leadership (IEL) in Washington, D.C.

Ypsilanti’s Key Contact to the Network, Noni Miller, Executive Director of Academic Services, with the support of Superintendent Dr. David Zuhlke, explained that the district’s mission for partnerships is to "develop and utilize family/school/partnerships to help all children reach their full potential with special attention to at-risk, underserved students."

Sacramento described its mission as providing "assistance and support by facilitating the continuous development of partnerships between families, schools, and communities in their effort to help children achieve academically and socially in school and throughout life." Sacramento is establishing a new Parent Engagement Office. Its director will replace retired Key Contact to the Network, Elaine Freedman, who, supported by Superintendent Dr. James Sweeney, submitted the application for the award.

Both districts not only assist their elementary, middle, and high schools’ Action Teams for School, Family, and Community Partnerships, but also conduct and coordinate district-level leadership activities, including work with community-based organizations and parent groups. In Ypsilanti, all twelve elementary, middle, and high schools are part of the National Network of Partnership Schools. Sacramento has actively increased the number of schools in the Network from twelve to about 30 schools over three years.