Citizens of the Community

• Are actively involved in the decisions that impact their schools--levy campaigns, board policy development, setting academic content standards and expectations, etc.
  
  
• Support the design and implementation of a comprehensive accountability program for their district
  
  
• Become informed about educational issues and seeks data on student performance
  
  
• Learn about the academic standards students are expected to master
  
  
• Hold local school board members responsible for providing quality educational opportunities for all students
  
  
• Monitor statewide issues that impact their schools and hold elected officials responsible for decisions made

The citizens of the local community must become actively involved in the decisions that impact their schools, for it is their money that pays for the education of the communities' children.

Active citizen involvement can produce a strong commitment for the educational improvements that must take place.

As the district's leadership and faculty exercise their responsibilities to invite the public into the dialogue and forge connections that must be made with the community at large, the citizens of the community must accept the challenge to become meaningfully involved. It is a partnership built from mutual respect for the shared responsibilities that each of the partners must play.

An engaged citizenry that closely monitors the actions of local and statewide elected officials is critical. They should insist on clearly articulated policies and actions that focus on improved student learning and the capacity of individuals within the schools to provide an environment that meets the learning needs of students.

Resources

Developmental Assets - A research-based framework to help communities align resources and focus efforts on the healthy development of young people.

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