Communities Within Communities A school exists within several larger communities. It is geographically centered in a community with its own goals and governing practices, but that community exists within an ever-widening circle of communities that in turn impact the policies and practices of both the school and its immediate community. A school exists within education communities that include other schools, institutions of higher education, libraries, museums, and research facilities. Stakeholders come to the school as members of one or more of these communities and collaboration is essential to allow members of each community to reach their goals. A successful school system invigorates a community and both can benefit. Successful school leaders build and develop relationships within their communities—relationships that are crucial for the success of every technology initiative. Lesson Overview This lesson addresses engaging people outside the school community in the support of teaching, learning, and school management. The module introduces a framework describing community involvement and strategies that enable schools to support community involvement through the use of technology. Sometimes, increased access to technology is a shared goal of the school and its communities, and other times it is a means to achieve that goal. You will explore some means and reflect on how some strategies may be incorporated in your own school or district. Lesson Objectives At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to Explain the importance and benefits of partnerships Describe stakeholder groups that can expect benefits from effective school partnerships Explain categories for school partnerships and the potential benefits to stakeholder groups Describe how technology can support effective communication from schools List the essentials of effective communication from schools Describe how technology can support new and traditional volunteering efforts from schools Describe how technology can support opportunities for extended learning Describe how technology can support relationships that influence school-based decision making