Areas for School Partnerships Type Communicating Volunteering Extended Learning Decision Making Description Establish communication channels from the school to homes, businesses, and institutions that support teaching and learning (including other schools, museums, libraries, research facilities, higher education). Provide opportunities for community and business members to offer funds, time, equipment, and expertise, and for staff and students to volunteer in the community. Create opportunities to support lifelong learning and learning beyond the school day for teachers, students, and the larger community. Include parents, community members, businesses, and other experts in the decisions that impact community goals for economic development. Expected Benefits for Student Awareness of own progress Opportunities for self-evaluation (comparison to norms) Awareness of the importance of school Skill in communicating with adults Exposure to experts in multiple career roles Increased opportunities for mastery Increased access to resources—including people Opportunity to observe role models in lifelong learning endeavors Opportunity to voice student concerns on policy directly influencing students Expected Benefits for Faculty and Staff Better understanding by community for role of teacher and school Support for academic endeavors Creation of support network for class needs Opportunity to involve family members with little previous school participation Support for new or enrichment activities through additional funds or equipment Opportunity to focus on curricular needs through support for management tasks Opportunity for professional growth Support for learning activities beyond class time Awareness of parent needs and concerns Awareness of community goals Expected Benefits for Community Increased awareness of school programs Better match between school needs and community services Better understanding of teacher responsibilities Familiarity with the school's processes and procedures Support of teaching and learning activities throughout community Increase community access to technology Possibility for shared use of physical and virtual space, equipment, networking, resources Opportunity for greater alignment of community goals Supports success through unified efforts