STEP 13
Building Common Understanding, Shared Beliefs, and a Collective Vision
13
The steering committee’s first task is to develop a common knowledge base.
Participants can begin by studying community demographic studies, summaries of student achievement data, and districtwide strategic plans. They can review base documents that govern the education of their young people, including learning goals, graduation requirements and state and national standards. This is also a good opportunity to survey the attitudes and perspectives of the community. Using such
data, the committee will be able to create a school and community profile that includes general characteristics, strengths, limitations, and emerging issues. While developing the knowledge base, the steering committee should consider not only present conditions, but future possibilities. This will require examination of current research and best practices in three areas: effective schools and instructional
The collective vision of citizens in San Diego’s City Heights area has resulted in a comprehensive approach to community redevelopment. This community center is part of a 30-acre “urban village” that includes residential housing, a continuing education center, a Head Start facility, a library, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a performance annex, and recreational fields. Three schools are an integral part of the effort; see Case Study 4. Photo: Joseph Martinez, courtesy of Martinez+Cutri Architects.
58 SCHOOLS AS CENTERS OF COMMUNITY: A CITIZEN’S GUIDE FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN