Partners in Education:
FAQ
What is Partners in Education?
A Partner
in Education is a community-school partnership program that provides a vehicle
for businesses and government agencies, civic groups, and faith organizations
to make available additional educational resources to our schools. In addition,
volunteers from these organizations are frequently tutors, mentors, and lunch
or book buddies; they introduce students and teachers to new technologies;
provide tours of the workplace and talk with students about their careers. When
students have an opportunity to interact with positive adult role models from
the community, they become aware of the connection between what they are
learning in school and the skills and attitudes they will need in the future.
Who benefits from partnerships?
At State
Bridge Crossing, we view educational partnerships as a two-way street. Along
with the benefit to students, teachers and staffs at schools, partnership
volunteers enjoy spending time helping children. The partnership can provide
opportunities for employees to get involved in their community and the business
to show that it is supportive of public education. Employers express improved
morale among employees when they become involved in a joint project such as
partnering with a school. The business or organization gains name recognition
by students and parents at the school where they partner. Partnerships promote
good will and build communities.
How much time is involved?
There is
no set amount of time that a partnership requires because each organization
sets up the program areas where they feel they can be of assistance with their
school. If an organization decides to provide Book Buddies for a school,
employees may spend about 1 hour per week (including travel time) on this
project. An organization may sponsor a special event, and the time spent would
be planning, preparing, and conducting that special event. Our adopters plan to
conduct activities in four program areas of their choosing from the following:
Academic Improvement Support (required); Student Incentive/Recognition; Career
Awareness; Character Development; Teacher Appreciation; Community Service; and
School Improvement Plan. Our specialty partners only focus on one program area
or contribute to one event during the year.
How much does it cost to establish a
partnership?
There is
no cost associated with establishing a partnership. Donations of time and
resources are made at the discretion of the partner.
What steps does it take to build a winning
partnership?
Get the
“buy in” of top management and staff.
Create
strong communication with the partner.
Develop a
year-long plan utilizing committees from the adopter and the school.
Don’t try
to do everything in one year!
How does a company or organization become
involved?
The first
step is to talk internally about the interests and resources of the
organization and to develop an idea of what type activities your organization
would be able and willing to do. Then contact the district coordinator who will
suggest several schools as possible matches.
How does an organization decide what kinds of
activities to undertake?
A
partnership packet will be provided upon request which will include partnership
activity suggestions as well as a survey form that can be used with employees.
The survey will help determine (1) when volunteers are available, (2) the age
group of students in which an organization is interested, (3) skills and
talents volunteers might want to share, and (4) types of activities that would
engage them.
How is the effectiveness of the program
measured?
Forms are
provided for the school to keep track of how many children are helped by the
program. Brief reports are submitted mid-year and at the end of the year.
Evaluation forms are provided so that each partner can record their evaluation
of the activities and projects completed throughout the year.
How are people informed about a partnership?
A
partnership ceremony is a good way to introduce the partnership to school
staff, students and members of an organization. The school and partner can plan
the ceremony. A simple ceremony may include the signing of a Certificate of
Partnership, some entertainment by children, and social time with refreshments
and visiting with parents and teachers. The school system may notify the media
to make them aware of the new partnership.
Do schools have more than one partner?
Some
schools have several partners. It depends on the needs of the school and the
amount of time and resources the partners have to offer. Often one partner will
be able to provide in one area and another partner(s) in others. They plan
together to avoid duplication.
Who can be a Partner?
Any
person who believes he or she has something to share with SBCES students.
Current Partners range from large businesses to non-profit groups,
community-based organizations, sports associations, small family-owned
businesses, and individuals. No group or organization is too small to make an
impact. Just one person committed to making a difference can transform an
entire community!
What makes a good Partnership?
The most
successful partnerships are based on relationships and communication. School
programs and educational issues are often as unfamiliar to non-educators as the
business world is to school employees. As partnerships form and develop,
schools and their Partners learn about each other’s missions, needs abilities,
resources and environments, leading to stronger relationships and valuable
community collaborations.
How can I (or my business) help?
Become a Mentor
Tutor a struggling student
Help train teachers in technology
Donate equipment or books
Donate cash to a needy school
Be a “virtual volunteer” via email
Host student and teacher interns
Host a Job Shadowing Day or camp
Be a guest speaker for a class
Provide technical resources
Offer site visits, tours and field trips
Coach college entrance exams
Judge academic competitions
Participate on a campus committee
Help school office staff
Help out at special events