Community Professionals' Experiences Collaborating With Schools: Implications for School Administrators

• In Event: 34.079 - Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 34.079-15 - Issues of Leadership in Family, School, and Community Collaborations

Abstract

School-community collaboration to meet the needs of youth and families continues to create new possibilities in systems with limited resources while contributing to frustrations among frontline professionals. Fundamental differences in theoretical orientation and basic terminology, as well turf issues, can impede collaboration. Myriad other problems such as limited space to work, marginalization, policies concerning confidentiality, and lack of program coordination may critically challenge these partnerships. This paper presents the findings of a quantitative study of 199 community professionals that aims to explore the ways in which school and community professionals are working together, what influences those collaborations, as well as the associated benefits. Social capital is used as a framework for collaboration and organizing practice suggestions for school administrators.

Authors

• Naorah Celia Lockhart, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Elizabeth A Mellin, Binghamton University - SUNY