COALITION OF COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CONFERENCE 2010 CHRIS JONES International Quality Standards for Community Schools 1

Today’s session Introducing the International Centre of Excellence for Community Schools Presentation of the International Quality Standards for Community Schools Discussion about challenges and benefits Description of format of Standards Discussion about implementation process in your own context 2

Chris Jones Interim Director of ICECS Consultant: educational management, project development and management 3

Support for the development of community schools: To NGOs, local administrations Case studies, sample policies, training and consultancy Information gathered through: Research Action research projects Links with academic institutions etc. Materials and tools: International Quality Standards 4

How well are we doing? Self assessment standards for community school improvement

The partnership 6

Discussion Guidelines Criteria Indicators Elements Standards 7

Commonality: community schools Parents as co-educators Relevant curriculum drawing on the local community as a resource Working together with other agencies to provide an all round experience for children, their families and the wider community in which they live and learn Lifelong learning Schools as a community resource 8

Complete agreement on standards we regard as common to all Leadership Partnership Social inclusion Services Volunteering Lifelong learning Community development Parent engagement School culture Piloted in 18 schools 9

Our discussion Let’s pause for a short time to discuss the potential benefits and challenges for your school(s) After10-15 minutes we will take some feedback so please prepare 2 challenges and 2 benefits to share with the rest of the group. 10

Structure of the standards: the forms The standard – 9 in all Indicators (space for schools to add one of their own) Descriptors The Big Picture – a summary sheet Action Plan – a summary of actions schools decide to take after the self assessment 11

Sample pages Leadership (There is a vision, strategy, support and resources allocated to this work.) 1234 Our mission has been agreed with the full involvement of pupils, parents, the wider community and other agencies We make strategic plans taking into account interests and needs of pupils, teachers, parents and significant stakeholders We allocate resources – people, places, equipment and where possible, funds for this work We ensure staff acquire skills to involve people and lead development and manage initiatives We promote and value high levels of achievement and the improvement of individual progress and personal development Our leaders encourage the generation of new ideas, new ways of working and new responses to challenges and support others in taking responsibility for decision-making and action You can add an indicator of your own here

Phase Two of the project 8 countries: Czech Republic, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Wales, Balkans Netherlands, USA Collect information about the self assessment findings Compare trends Check the website for information about what is happening in others schools Conference 13

The process Bring together a group of people with an interest in your school Arrange for the meeting to be facilitated – but not by the Headteacher/Director Ensure that the discussion is open and honest Agree priorities Report progress 14

Stakeholder analysis In groups please take a little time to consifder the following: Which stakeholders might you invite and why? What are the key messages in your invitation? What are the benefits and challenges of this process? 15

Stakeholder analysis 16

More information An international trainer to train staff of one or several schools for up to three days A copy of the training materials used Copies of the International Standards Costs: 3000US$ for three days of an international trainer Flights and accommodation Room and catering for participants Contact: or direct to me 17