This paper is a review of different programs at a charter school in Brooklyn, the See All Academy. It consists of comparing the input of parents and administrators into extracurricular programs designed to enhance student learning. After comparing overall levels of involvement, a SWOT analysis is conducted to target areas of needed improvement.
¶ … Academy, as part of its attempt to instill reflective learning in students has created the GROWTH program, a school, community-based program in which students who have interpersonal difficulties are given specific assignments to promote reflection and change. "Every student that serves a GROWTH lunch is required to do a GROWTH CENTER REFLECTION SHEET that consists of various questions and an apology letter. The purpose of the sheet is to allow students to reflect on the choice that they made, why the choice was wrong, how they could've handled the situation differently using better choices, and what they have learned from their experience" (GROWTH, 2013). Thus, relationships between students and deans are fostered via GROWTH; however there is no little direct family contact in the program -- the emphasis is on personal responsibility for the student.
The program is considered community-based given that it relies upon concepts of conflict diffusion embraced in a wide variety of dispute-resolution settings and students who make a wide variety of poor choices inside and outside of the school may receive such assignments. However, although GROWTH is not family-focused the PTA is a very strong force at See All. The PTA is very influential in overseeing fundraisers (one session of the 'minutes' of the meeting reveal a discussion of an upcoming candy sale); in setting policy (such as whether outdoor recess is still permissible); and approving measures such as an additional $50.00 for classroom educational supplies for all teachers (PTA, 2012).
Name of program
Needs
Current level of participation
Current impact on student learning
School community program: Gaining Reflective Outcomes With Total Harmony (GROWTH)
Anti-bullying program designed to "find peaceful solutions for existing issues" (GROWTH, 2013)
School personnel: 5
Family: 1
Community: 4
School personnel: 3
Family: 1
Community: 4
PTA
Fundraising, participating in school policy decisions that affect students, suggesting additional funds for classroom needs and activities
School personnel: 5
Family: 5
Community: 4
School personnel: 5
Family: 5
Community: 4
Q1. Which programs most effectively involve parents/family, school, and community?
GROWTH has been helpful in fostering a non-confrontational approach to make students more reflective about their behaviors. The PTA is the backbone of the school in terms of its financial support of activities for student enrichment.
Q2. Which programs most effectively impact student achievement at your school? Describe.
The PTA is very influential in providing support for student activities and achievements. Students targeted through GROWTH receive additional support for behavior problems rather than are merely 'punished.'
Q3. Overall, who provides the most support for your school's programs?
The PTA draws together all parents in its outreach. It enables the school to close 'gaps' in funding and keeps parents involved.
Q4. How is program information communicated to parents/family, the community, and throughout the school? How could the communication be made more effective?
Program information is primarily disseminated through handouts given to the home: unfortunately, the website for the PTA is not up-to-date. Also, although there is a brief paragraph on GROWTH, it is relatively limited in its discussion of benefits.
Q5. Who could become involved in specific programs to increase the programs' effectiveness?
Parents could become more involved in GROWTH in terms of reading over student essays written for the program. Students could be encouraged by parents to talk about relevant emotional issues raised in GROWTH.
Q6. How could additional participants be drawn into these community engagement programs?
There could be greater dialogue between GROWTH participants and parents. Also, anti-bullying speakers could be brought in to speak to the entire student body.
Q7. What needs do students at your school have that are not being addressed? What type of community engagement program might best address those student needs?
Student cultural enrichment programs should be ongoing. The arts are important at the school, and field trips to museums and concerts would be helpful.
SWOT
Aspect
Parent: PTA
Community: GROWTH
Strengths
Involves all parents in the life of the school
Encourages students to be self-reflective about problem behaviors in a non-confrontational manner between staff and students
Weaknesses
Parents mainly are involved through meetings and activities such as fundraisers; there is no structured program for parent participation in the day-to-day life of the school
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