Standard 6: Collaborating with community
National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnership Awards
Definition
Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect
students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and
civic participation.
As part of the larger community, schools and other programs fulfill important community goals. In like fashion,
communities offer a wide array of resources valuable to schools and the families they serve. When schools and
communities work together, both are strengthened in synergistic ways and make gains that outpace what either
entity could accomplish on its own:
- Families access community resources more easily;
- Businesses connect education programs with the realities of the workplace;
- Seniors contribute wisdom and gain a greater sense of purpose; and ultimately,
- Students serve and learn beyond their school involvement.
The best partnerships are mutually beneficial and structured to connect individuals, not just institutions or groups.
This connection enables the power of community partnerships to be unleashed.
Consider these questions when planning your program, projects, and activities:
- Does your PTA/PTSA distribute information regarding cultural, recreational, academic, health, social, and
other resources that serve families within the community?
- Does your PTA/PTSA develop partnerships with local businesses and service groups to advance student
learning and assist schools and families?
- Does your PTA/PTSA foster student participation in community service?
- Does your PTA/PTSA involve community members in school volunteer programs?
- Does your PTA/PTSA inform staff members of the resources available in the community and strategies for
utilizing those resources?
- Does your PTA/PTSA collaborate with community agencies to provide family support services and adult
learning opportunities, enabling parents to more fully participate in activities that support education?
Sample programs:
- Partner with a sister PTA that is struggling; invite them to your event than assist them with orchestrating
their own.
- Partner with other nonprofits agencies like United Way and Junior Achievement for youth leadership
programs
- Collaborate with local churches and community organizations to provide quality after-school programs.
- Sponsor voter registration drives, mock elections or community recycling projects
- Host joint community PTA meetings with the elementary, middle/junior high and
high schools to showcase what each offers.
