Issues CE Can Address

Today we are being asked to provide more and more services and at the same time reduce the cost of providing those services. It’s true in
every sector…whether private, public, government or education. The good new is that it has caused us to take a hard look at creating cooperation between entities. Creating partnerships that lead to more efficient use of time, talent, space and resources. It is this cooperative effort between communities and schools that has lead to Community Education.

Community Education is a concept that provides opportunities for local community members, schools and other organizations to become partners in addressing educational and community concerns. Community Education is a way for people to enhance their lives and communities through learning and collaboration.

Community education recognizes that all aspects of community life are important, and strives to produce a better quality of life for all community members. It is a concept based on cooperation, collaboration, and planning. Community education is an approach to community improvement that involves citizens in determining needs, planning and action. It is an approach that promotes the application of the community’s resources towards community improvement.

What is community education? Community education is school and community connecting. Providing opportunities for expanded usage of public facilities and decrease duplication of local services. Programs and services that meet the needs of every age and social group.Iowa schools operate 180 days per year from 8am to 3:30pm. This only provides services to households with children in school. Because of the changing nature of families, only 20% to 25% of the households in this
nation have children in the public schools. Schools are discarding the idea that their only responsibility is for children 5 to 18. Schools are becoming community centers and encouraging the surrounding neighborhood to become a learning community.

We know that learning continues throughout life. Community Education is that concept that provides opportunities for local community members, schools, and other organizations to become partners in addressing educational and community concerns. A Community School is a facility that is open during and beyond the traditional school day to provide academic, extracurricular, recreational, health, social services, and work force preparation programs for people of all ages. Community Education strengthens the community and enhances student achievement through lifelong learning, family support and community enrichment.

What are the Components of Community Education?
· Lifelong Learning
This includes an understanding that learning continues throughout life; it provides formal; and informal learning opportunities and provides programs and services for all community members.
· Community Involvement
Community education promotes a sense of civic responsibility; provides opportunities for community members to develop and use their leadership skills; promotes the inclusion of diverse populations in all aspects of community life; and encourages community involvement of local decision-making.
· Efficient Use of Resources
Utilizes fully the community’s physical, financial, technical, and human resources to meet diverse needs; reduces duplication of services by promoting collaborative relationships among schools, organizations, and agencies.

Each community education program in Iowa has its own unique characteristics to fit its community and school. It is developed and administered at the local level. It’s hometown. The key to developing a community education model is the participation of the citizenry. The Iowa Community Education Association represents many very successful models in large and small communities. The ICEA provides strong support, training and networking with state and national leadership in community education.

Working together through Community Education communities can address a wide range of concerns:
· Child care and extended day programs
· Unemployment/underemployment
· Senior citizen services
· Lifelong learning opportunities
· School effectiveness
· School and business partnerships
· Use of school facilities
· Community support for schools
· Community economic development
· Character education
· Substance abuse
· Recreational opportunities
· Literacy
· Student achievement
· Diversity issues
· Community pride
· Volunteer efforts
· Parent involvement
· Service learning
· Many other community needs

So what does Community Education do for a community?

It takes all the pieces … and puts then together …
COMMUNITY EDUCATION …
STRONGER TOGETHER.