Resources for Rural Education

We're always looking for resources that can support the work of teachers and principals in rural schools. Education Week recently published an article that looked at ways to help rural students leap cultural hurdles to college attendance. It provides some useful suggestions for schools and described the important role that school counselors have in helping first-generation students navigate the process of getting into college. In particular the article discusses how to overcome resistance from family members when the "right fit" for a student might be a college far from home.

We've also become fans of an Education Week blog on Rural Education. The blog is updated regularly with the latest information on ways to strengthen rural education across America. It also provides teachers and principals with helpful tools and resources to support their work.

We like this blog because we recognize that educators, particularly in rural areas, have many different roles and responsibilities and that may leave little time to focus on things like supporting students' college aspirations. The Rural Education Blog, along with the resources provided by Oregon GEAR UP can support your efforts to increase post-secondary options for your students.

Tips for Working with Families and Community

It is important that schools maintain regular contact with families and with members of the community. Principals have an important role cultivating and nurturing support for their efforts to strengthen and refine their schools. It is critical to provide families with the information and tools they need to support your vision for a more effective school. Rather than be reactive, develop a proactive strategy.

In suburban Phoenix a principal asked his staff to share "turnaround" stories with him---stories of students who made a significant positive change in their learning. The principal always had two or three stories that he could share with families in formal and informal conversations. At a middle school in western North Carolina every communication with families include the school's core belief---"learning is not optional."

Families are almost always supportive of increasing the quality of their child's education. What they want, however, is specific ideas about how they can be helpful. Three strategies are critical. First, establish a variety of communication procedures, some in print, some in person, some electronic. Technology is helpful but not all families have the same access. Second, create and support authentic, meaningful roles for family members. Rather than just holding a meeting, include training and support. Craft volunteer opportunities that capitalize on family members' expertise, abilities and interests. Finally, provide families with support and resources. Although the specific types may vary depending on your families, families are almost always looking for good ideas and resources to support their children's success.

Here are some other tips from other principals.

• Provide ideas for how to organize the home to support homework completion.
• Create a parent library with books and materials about parenting and supporting students' academic growth.
• Organize a parent support group.
• Help families locate libraries and other helpful resources.
• Arrange for parents to share ideas and strategies they find successful in supporting their child's success in school.
• Include tips for parents in every school newsletter or other communication.

I hope you find these ideas helpful and would enjoy hearing from you about your ideas for working with families and community.

Caring for Students and Their Families

The current economy has impacted students and families in significant ways. A recent report from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth reported that in over half the states there has been a 50% increase in homeless students since 2007. The nation's official poverty rate was 13.2% and for children younger than 18, 19%. The US Department of Agriculture found (Nov 2009) that food shortages, even outright hunger characterize the current economy. The number of Americans running out of food each month rose to 16% of the population.

Schools are responding in respectful and caring ways to this crisis. I recently learned about a program at Mitchell School in Ann Arbor, MI. About 60% of Mitchell's students qualify for free or reduced price means. The staff works with Chartwells, the district's food service provider, and with Food Gatherers, a local non-profit organization to gather food and pack backpacks that students take home on Friday. Principal Kathy Scarnecchia says that keeping students "fed and healthy" helps them to be more successful in school. Students return the empty backpacks on Monday.

What a wonderful way to support students, their families, and commit to the success of every student.