Connexions module: m14723

Schools Connecting with Churches to Support Student Achievement

Roy Walton
This work is produced by The Connexions Project and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License

The goal of this module is to further identify and suggest ways that churches can be utilized to support the educational eorts (student achievement) of schools.

Abstract

Introduction As a school administrator of a poor performing school district one must seek all sources of assistance to help with student achievement. Demographically in 2003 the estimated population of the school district was approximately 33,740. The population is currently in decline. In 1990 the population was 38,386. In 2003, almost three-fourths of the population was over 18. While over 14 percent of the population was between the ages of ten and twenty. In regards to the 2003 census estimate, almost 79 percent of the population was African American and 18.5 percent white. The Hispanic population was approximately 1.37 percent of the total population. In 2003 and 2004 the dropout rate for the system was 9 and 6 percent. The state dropout average for Virginia during this time frame was 3 percent. Additionally the high school graduation rate was 55.5 percent and 59.6 percent in 2003 and 2004. The graduation rate for the state of Virginia was 76 percent in both years. Statistics from the Virginia Department of Education indicate that in the school year 2005-2006, the school system reported 4902 students in grades K-12. This includes 509 9th grade students. In 2005-2006, 72 percent of students passed SOL tests in English compared to a state average of 84 percent. Additionally during this time frame 44 percent of the students passed the Mathematics SOL tests compared to an average of 76 percent for the state. In the middle schools the math scores were dismal at 17 percent for 6th grade and 9 percent for 7th grade students. As we discuss academic achievement we also must deal with attendance and truancy issues. Student achievement gures drop dramatically if students don't attend school. Figures from the Virginia Department of Education showed that enrollment dropped signicantly from grades 9 to 10 and continued this downward trend through grades 11 and 12. The economic data for the school system is as follows: In 2003, the per capital income for the city was $26,729, compared to $33,730 for the state. In addition the unemployment rate was 7.8 percent, compared to 3.7 percent for the state. In the years of 2001-2004, approximately 70 percent of the students qualied for free or reduced price lunches. The socio-demographic gures presented suggest several needs of the youth in this community. One such need is improvement in student academic achievement and testing. The other is the need to increase high school graduation rates. Another need is to reduce school truancies. If there is a strong church community in the community it would be wise to solicit help from these stakeholders. It is a given that parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc attend some church in
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Connexions module: m14723

the community. The church is a vital component in most communities and as such is the perfect partner for schools, for the stakeholders are the same. The faith-based community represents a large segment of the community and they also represent a wealth of resources to assist with student achievement in schools. Since a few of the churches already are involved in activities that support the schools what is needed is a structured process for all churches wishing to be a part of this initiative to follow to become actively involved in the successful education of students in the community. Statistics support the notion that greater academic achievement is acquired when community involvement is a part of the process. Because churches most often have educational facilities, they are a natural to partner with, but don't forget to include other stakeholders such as community leaders, law enforcement and social services. Goals It is important to develop goals that are attainable. These goals should be developed with input from the school division. Suggestions include the following:

Increased academic achievement Increase in attendance Decrease in truancy Improve student conduct Support and recognize teachers, sta and students Publicize student work and accomplishments Assist with city-wide announcements from the schools

Once goals have been set by all stakeholders, the work of getting started must begin. Steps to getting started are: 1. Select a school, contact the school's principal to inquire of the possible needs of the school as related to the established goals. 2. Organize a comprehensive volunteer recruitment program 3. Develop an application and screening process 4. Train the volunteers 5. Equip the volunteers with the necessary materials 6. Monitor and evaluate the program 7. Plan an ongoing strategy for the completion of tasks and follow up. 8. Meet as necessary to review, assess, modify and revise if needed Types of Services that can be provided include the following:

Volunteering in the oce Announcements in the church bulletin Sponsor back to school kickos After-school tutorial programs Lunch Buddies Support Teachers Sponsor a Math and Reading Academy Utilize church facilities for after school activities Provide funding to support school initiatives

Conclusion Programs that contribute additional support to learning and student achievement are necessary tools for under performing schools to help them in their quest for better results. The most important thing is to meet regularly and constantly re-evaluate where you are to assess the eectiveness of the eorts of the stakeholders. Church and school partnerships can be eective methods to enhance and increase student achievement.
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Connexions module: m14723

Resources One Church One School Community Partnership Program, Retrieved June 21, 2007, from www.onechurchoneschool.org. Virginia Department of Education, 21st Century Learning Centers, Retrieved June, 20, 2007, from www.doe.virginia.gov. Operation Diamond, Church-Adopt-A-School, Petersburg Commonwealth Attorney's Oce. Virginia Department of Social Services. U.S. Census. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Virginia Employment Commission.

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