Schools engage with their communities in both a physical and a functional sense: as buildings, their spaces can be used for multiple purposes; as institutions, they share certain goals with other agencies and individuals in the community. When mutually supportive, the relationship between schools and communities can lead to shared programs for the benefit of all. Students and teachers can link up with individuals and institutions beyond the school in a variety of ways, ranging from simple communication with parents and others in the community to jointly run services and mentoring opportunities.

Relationship to the Framework

The linkages that a school staff forges with individuals and institutions beyond its walls should reflect the school's goals and beliefs about students and their learning.

High-Level Learning and Success for All Students