On Tuesday, October 26th, The National Network of Partnership Schools' Leadership Development Conference commnenced at the Sheraton Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. NNPS is a group linked to the Centre for School, Family and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University. The Centre, led by Professor Joyce Epstein, has conducted research into the connections between community partnerships and student learning outcomes since 1981. They have developed a Framework for School, Family and Community Partnerships which identifies 6 types of involvement: Parenting, Communicating, Volunteering, Learning at Home, Decision Making and Creating Community Partnerships. The main focus of the conference is to train School, District and State leaders to implement this framework in their organisation through a "Train the Trainer" model.
On the first day of the conference, we were involved in a full day of leadership training led by Professor Joyce Epstein. As well as the specific knowledge and skills that we acquired on this day, much was gained through interaction with educators. We were supplied with a detailed folder of advice and resources to support our work when we get back. Our colleagues will be relieved to hear that the program is not designed to create more work for them. The purpose is to link community partnerships to the achievement of the school's goals as set out in the School Strategic Plan. This puts an entirely new direction to any community partnership programs we have previously seen. It also shows genuine respect for the input of all community stakeholders and provides an avenue to support the achievement of the school goals.
After a long day, 8.00am - 4.00pm of instruction, the group broke to attend a Poster Reception from 4.30pm - 6.00pm. At this function, some schools displayed and discussed community participation programs in operation in their setting. The Australian display and presentation was very well received with many delegates coming to hear about school "Down Under". Whilst it was an effort from ourselves and our band of helpers back at school, the presentation was a great way to break the ice with other educators. Many people expressed a keen interest to visit and / or keep in touch by email. Our cheap and tacky koalas and kangaroos were a big hit. Thanks Camberwell $2 Shop!
Later in the evening, we headed out for some dinner. Since arriving in Baltimore, it has rained continuously so this time a taxi was necessary. No colleagues seemed interested in venturing out to see the sights so off we went. As usual, some prior research had been conducted. We have located a friendly and helpful barman who has provided us with an extensive list of good places to eat in Baltimore, rather than the usual tourist barns. So far, he has been right on the money and we have found places we would never have located. Last night, it was a terrific tapas place in Mt. Vernon, a quirky food and shopping district.
On the first day of the conference, we were involved in a full day of leadership training led by Professor Joyce Epstein. As well as the specific knowledge and skills that we acquired on this day, much was gained through interaction with educators. We were supplied with a detailed folder of advice and resources to support our work when we get back. Our colleagues will be relieved to hear that the program is not designed to create more work for them. The purpose is to link community partnerships to the achievement of the school's goals as set out in the School Strategic Plan. This puts an entirely new direction to any community partnership programs we have previously seen. It also shows genuine respect for the input of all community stakeholders and provides an avenue to support the achievement of the school goals.
After a long day, 8.00am - 4.00pm of instruction, the group broke to attend a Poster Reception from 4.30pm - 6.00pm. At this function, some schools displayed and discussed community participation programs in operation in their setting. The Australian display and presentation was very well received with many delegates coming to hear about school "Down Under". Whilst it was an effort from ourselves and our band of helpers back at school, the presentation was a great way to break the ice with other educators. Many people expressed a keen interest to visit and / or keep in touch by email. Our cheap and tacky koalas and kangaroos were a big hit. Thanks Camberwell $2 Shop!
Later in the evening, we headed out for some dinner. Since arriving in Baltimore, it has rained continuously so this time a taxi was necessary. No colleagues seemed interested in venturing out to see the sights so off we went. As usual, some prior research had been conducted. We have located a friendly and helpful barman who has provided us with an extensive list of good places to eat in Baltimore, rather than the usual tourist barns. So far, he has been right on the money and we have found places we would never have located. Last night, it was a terrific tapas place in Mt. Vernon, a quirky food and shopping district.
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