Publications :
Consortium Connections
In this Issue - Spring 2008
When considering how to address educational disparities, it is
often the case that people jump to schools as the sole cause
of the problem and source of the solution. It's our hope that Circles
of Influence – the guiding framework CYFC has been using
in its educational disparities work - shows that the solutions
to educational disparities are far greater and more complex than
schools alone, but include children themselves, families, communities,
society and policies! Addressing educational disparities simultaneously
at all levels will result in the greatest success.
It is certainly important to concentrate
some attention on schools, however, because they are the major
place where most children receive their formal learning experiences.
Thus, we are devoting two issues of Connections to topics related
to schools. In this
issue, readers will find articles discussing big picture topics,
like how schools and learning have been shaped by prevailing values
and norms, and how alternative school financing options might change
the way we address educational disparities. The role of schools
in involving parents, and the importance of those partnerships,
is discussed, as well as an article highlighting learnings from
schools that have succeeded in closing gaps and increasing graduation
rates.
The Circles of Influence model contained
in this issue has been substantially modified from the previous
editions. It continues to be a work in progress and your feedback
is always welcome!
