SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY COLLABO TION IN EDUCATION

Written By: Veronica Jackson, M. Ed.

The call for effective school and community collaboration in educating our youths has become more resounding. Increasingly educators as well as people in our business communities are recognizing that if we are to meet the needs of 21st century education standards and the needs of the workforce, then both entities must work together to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, they must seek to provide the range of services and resources that will prepare our youths not only for life in high school but to equip them with the critical thinking skills, as well as hands on work experiences that will better equip them for a post-secondary in their industry of choice. Community partners are uniquely positioned to help prepare students, not only to be successful during high school, but for college, career, and citizenship, through their various enrichment and support programs. These are programs that can touch on the social- emotional, economic and educational needs of our students. For example, the additional funding that a community partner provides can be used to create paid-internship opportunities for our students. Research has proven that internships create a positive impact for students. Students get the opportunity to jumpstart their professional careers and supplement their courses with hands-on experience. Graduating seniors who applied for a full-time job and participated in an internship received 20% more job offers than those without internship experience (NACE Study, 2019). This should not be a surprise because students, while working on the job, get the opportunity to reinforce what they discuss and are taught in the classroom. Skills like time management, communication, working with others, problem solving, are applied in practical terms in the natural work environment. It is no wonder that students having an opportunity for an internship are better equipped to function more effectively in the work- place. Of note however, is that because of budgetary constraints, schools have to rely on community partners to provide these opportunities for students. While there are invaluable benefits for the students, the employers also have the privilege of building relationships with and understanding the future employees they get the chance to train.

The opportunity to be placed in an internship in an area that the students are currently viewing as a long term career goal, provides real life experiences that help students make the necessary adaptations or changes for their intended career path.

In addition to the relational and hands-on learning benefits, the economic benefits to those who have a paid internship, bring welcome financial relief for many. Most internship programs provided by our community organizations also give much attention to the inclusion of programs and resources that address the social emotional well-being of the students. Certainly this is an area especially in the post COVID era that cannot be overlooked as we look forward to building a strong and resilient workforce in all areas.

As we continue to see the benefits/ impact of partnerships in education, it is incumbent on our school leaders, community based organizations, parents, and business partners to forge ahead to create more partnerships. Partnerships where there are clear goals, expectations, accountability, and evaluative systems that give consideration to the learning needs of our young people and the wider community and world they will serve. It is our belief that growth in productive partnerships will pave the way for educating our youth not just for today but for the century ahead.

Sheriff Melody M. Maddox

Melody M. Maddox officially became DeKalb County’s new Sheriff on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 sworn in by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson. The Atlanta native became the second woman to hold the title of Sheriff in the State of Georgia, making her the county’s 50th sheriff and the first woman to hold the position.

A Decatur resident, Maddox became Chief of Police for Georgia Piedmont Technical College in DeKalb County in 2016. She managed a team of sworn officers and civilian personnel responsible for public safety and security for students, faculty, visitors and facilities on the college’s six campuses.

A Georgia P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer, Maddox began her law enforcement career with the sheriff’s office in 1996 as a Detention Technician in the Jail Division. In 1997, she joined the DeKalb County Police Department where she held positions of increasing responsibility for ten years as Master Police Officer,

Chief Aide and Crimes Analysis Officer, and Field Training Officer. She completed training programs in Emergency Management and Information Command Systems Training and she is a P.O.S.T. Certified General Instructor in Ethics, Integrity and Professionalism ,as well as, defensive tactics.

Maddox’s professional affiliations include the Georgia Association of Women in Public Safety, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriffs’ Association, the DeKalb Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Maddox received her bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College and her master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She is a graduate of Newburgh Theological Seminary and Bible College, a member of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2017, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the DeKalb NAACP. Maddox is also the CEO of Woman 2 Woman Personal Awareness and Safety Training (P.A.S.T) where she teaches self-defense training. She has been honored for her career achievements and community volunteerism by numerous civic and business organizations.