The Communities
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
With support from the superintendent, on down, Montgomery County Public Schools show what can happen when a community institutionalizes the dialogue-to-action process. With 137,745 students, Montgomery County is the 16th largest school district in the United States, as well as one of its most diverse.
MCPS uses study circles to address racial and ethnic barriers to student achievement and parent involvement. Trained facilitators help parents, teachers, and students from different backgrounds build relationships, explore each other's cultures, learn about racial and ethnic barriers, and plan action steps to help all students succeed. Since 2003, over 1,300 people have participated in more than 87 study circles. Many circles are bilingual and several have been conducted in Spanish. Outcomes include: more teacher awareness of the impact of race on schools and student achievement; better strategies to engage parents; and a school discipline plan that treats students of color fairly. www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/studycircles/
Warren County, North Carolina
How can greater student success benefit the entire community? That’s the question that people in Warrenton, North Carolina, and nearby counties have been asking for the past two years in dialogue-to-action programs to bridge racial and ethnic divides and to narrow the achievement gap. Beyond trying to “fix the schools,” organizers helped citizens focus on a wide range of community issues, including juvenile justice services, family support, and recreation.
Action teams are working on creating stronger community and school connections and overcoming community apathy. The work—coordinated by the Rural School and Community Trust and community partners and funded by a grant from the Kellogg Foundation—aims to help build community-based infrastructures and programs to move vulnerable rural North Carolina youth and families out of poverty and improve their ability to live and thrive in their hometowns.