But How ? - Where Do I Begin?

 A key question I found myself coming back to in relation to my question was how? What are my first steps? Where do I begin? After talking to a few of my past teachers, I found that an important aspect of beginning this process is to first reflect on your students needs, and take the leap of faith to call and schedule informal conversations with various organizations. The first step is to engage in dialogue, ask questions and brainstorm ideas on the ways in which you can support each other - how the school can support the organization and how the organization can support the school and  the students. 

Here is a very influential video project highlighting the ways in which community schools can help students, particularly English Language Learners (ELLs), be successful.



    The Wolfe Street Academy in Baltimore, a school with more than 76% ELLs that support its students and families through programs and services that include dental screenings, food giveaways, after-school activities, and more. Although this example is located in the U.S and my inquiry question does not involve the transformation of a school into a community school, the video reveals how valuable it is when schools integrate community engagement at the centre of their curricula. 

                                                                        TAKEAWAY

                                            ELL and their families needs extend beyond school 

One of the bigger takeaway that informed my thinking after learning about the Wolfe Street Academy was when the Principal Mark Gaither mentions “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need”, stating that the fundamental level within the pyramid, before you get to academic achievement and self actualization, you have shelter, food, love and security. Community schools attempt to provide the type of support that affluent families provide for their children because of their ZIP code. In doing so, we are able to see that there is more to ELLs academic achievement than curriculum, assessment and lesson planning, that many students are in need of a much wider range of support that the community can provide them with, which will then lead to their success in school. 

Unresolved asylum claims, financial hardships, limited facility with English, outstanding health issues, and the isolation and the newness of their lives in Ontario present daily challenges. They require many supports to rebuild their lives, but at the same time it is important to understand that many are survivors, and often display incredible resilience and adaptability.

ELL Families Issues that Impact their Academics 

• Insurance Issues

• Legal status 

• Some carry the burden of separation and loss

• Significant numbers of refugees come from situations involving conflict and trauma

    These are significant in understanding how teachers can incorporate community partnerships, as they can help identify what the needs are of the students in order to determine which organizations they may want to reach out too. 

"A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Community schools offer a personalized curriculum that emphasizes real-world learning and community problem-solving. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends."