Wendy Harwin, Harriet Feldlaufer, Judy Carson, Barbara Slone, Coordinators
Judy Carson (NNPS Key Contact), Harriet Feldlaufer (NNPS Key Contact), and Dr. Eddie Davis (Chief, Bureau of School-Family-Community Partnerships).
Connecticut's program is recognized for over four years of developing coherent policy, conducting training workshops, providing guidance, awarding stipends, and supporting schools in their work on school, family, and community partnerships. The state leaders also publish a useful newsletter, Schools and Families, created a lending library of books, videos, and produced other useful materials. They have established strong connections with interdepartmental and interagency colleagues. Other activities include a web site and a Policy Action Packet.
In 1997, in connection with participation with the National Network of Partnership Schools, the Connecticut State Board of Education defined school, family, and community partnerships as the "continuous planning, support, and participation of school personnel, families, and community organizations in coordinated activities...that directly and positively affect the success of all children's learning."
This year, the State Board created the Bureau of School-Family-Community Partnerships within the Division of School Improvement, that is responsible for school, family, and community partnerships. The Bureau integrates staff from health, safe schools, family literacy, and other offices to help schools involve families and communities in productive ways to support and advance student achievement. The state now has a stable leadership structure to support schools and districts with work on partnerships.
Recently we were tapped by a local Board of Education member interested in District membership in the National Network of Partnership Schools. We cited the opportunities for training and leadership activities in Baltimore, at AERA, the Type 2 newsletter, annual Promising Partnership Practices directory, Handbook for Action, and other helpful publications and resources. We also recommended the user-friendly, up-to-date web site, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff.
--Wendy Harwin, Harriet Feldlaufer, Judy Carson, Connecticut State Board of Education, Bureau of School-Family-Community Partnerships