The Community School Movement
Dr. John Hall introduced Dr. Jeanita Richardson to the West Chester Rotary. Dr. Richardson was present to discuss The Community School Movement, her new book, and pointed out that public education is important to all whether directly or indirectly. She noted that there is a great diversity of students in the public system, which provides significant challenges for the teachers and administrators. Dr. Richardson is convinced that The Community School; which provides a comprehensive education, health and community supports, is the best way to meet the needs of public school children. Dr. Richardson’s grandparents had been involved in the James Adams Community School in Coatesville and she attended the school as a child.
Dr. Richardson presented her model for the Highly Effective Community School. The model consists of three important factors: Leadership, Partnership, and Organizational Development. She summarized by saying that a school work best when the community; its families, businesses and educators work together to develop a structure and process for programming and capacity building.
