2012 promises to be an interesting year on the public policy front.  Currently, we are monitoring the ISBE waiver application for ESEA flexibility with a particular focus on  the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program.  Chicago Public Schools, the school district with the state's largest community school cohort, is transitioning towards "a full school day."  We all need to be part of the dialogue about the role of community partners and sources of funding for the expanded day and the ways in which the full implementation of the community school framework accomplishes the goals that the district has set for their students and schools.  

  

Around the state, 21st CCLC sites are moving closer to the community school framework by learning about the model through the Federation's ISBE trainings.  We are also preparing to launch a rural and small schools task force to support a thought process around community schools in rural Illinois. Later this year, we will look toward the November elections - with a focus on educating candidates about the importance of community schools and building support for policies and programs that that allow us to implement and sustain community schools across the state.

 

Each of you plays a critical role in our work in 2012.  To keep you informed about our work and engage you in efforts to sustain and expand community schools, we provide multiple avenues and oppotunities for your participation.

Leadership: We will work with the leadership of schools and community partners through a monthly 30 minute conference call that features key reports, updates, and discussion about issues that need leadership input and commitment.

PAC: The Program Advisory Council meets regularly to discuss both policy and practice work that needs to carried back to your organizations, and to provide your input to our board.

Stakeholder Meetings: Stakeholder meetings inform and engage community school stakeholders about advocacy opportunities and share information, best practices, and strategies.  Stakeholder meeting will continue to be held in Chicago and we will add webinar capacity to allow our constituents to join in the dialogue from across the state.  This year, we will also hold twice-yearly stakeholder meeting in central downstate locations. 

Resource Coordinator Luncheons: A Chicago based component of our work, these gatherings focus mainly on best practice and resource sharing, and on working together to address challenges inherent in full implementation. Luncheons are hosted by Resource Coordinators / Community School managers.  Contact Associate Director Melissa Mitchell if you'd like to host one of these events.

Professional Development: The Federation will continue to offer regular professional development for stakeholders. We hope to initiate specialized groups for community school principals this year.  Additionally, we hope to expand our work by tapping into the expertise from the field and working with your organizations to bring your particular expertise to others in our base through trainings that we sponsor.

 

As you look at the coming year, please include plans to engage in this work at multiple levels of your organization.  We are only as strong as our membership!