Leaders Reach Out To Their Communities.

Education is for everyone. It goes on all the time and happens everywhere. It is more effective when people in the community identify needs and help shape the system. It uses the wealth of resources that already exist in the community." In a nutshell, that's the philosophy that drives community education.

Most managers are fairly comfortable reaching into the system to fine-tune it. True leaders, while excellent managers, are especially good at reaching out to the communities they serve, from families and the neighborhood to the world.

The process of community education is powerful. It can help to unify a community in common purpose through ongoing communication, with special emphasis on listening and responding. It brings out the best in people because it calls upon them to help themselves and others. It connects with other organizations that also are working in the public interest. It can lead to an even more efficient use of community resources and help a community band together to solve its problems or plan its future.

It is a supreme builder of confidence since it allows so many people to experience their schools up close and personal.

I urge you as a school leader to consider the benefits of community education. For example, you might want to designate "full-service schools" that serve not only children, but also offer programs for other residents. Community agencies might offer health and dental programs, family counseling, access to computers and other technologies, and services for older citizens, right next door in the neighborhood school. All of those services are in addition to a catalog of courses that not only stimulate the intellect but also help people learn skills that will help them advance in their jobs or even change careers.

The 1990s will be known as the "Decade of Community." Community education can help you catch the wave, not because it's a fad but because it helps build a solid foundation of support for education in the community. It's a way of wrapping your arms around your community and drawing from its collective wisdom to make sure schools are on target in offering the best possible education for both children and adults.

Leaders have a hard time playing the role of victim. When times are tough, they always are looking for better ways to overcome adversity. They are catalysts who take pride in rallying people and helping them realize their dreams.

"Commitment to Children and Community" is the theme for my year as president of the American Association of School Administrators. In this great nation, we need communities that work for all people, and we need communities with a commitment to all children, not just some of them. Of course, our focus must always be on children, because our future is nothing without them.

Please join me in this commitment to children and families by putting community education to work in your schools.