Domain 6

Experiences and Reflections

Domain 6 affirms the role of teachers in establishing school-community partnerships aimed at enriching the learning environment, as well as the community’s engagement in the educative process. This Domain expects teachers to identify and respond to opportunities that link teaching and learning in the classroom to the experiences, interests and aspirations of the wider school community and other key stakeholders. It concerns the importance of teachers’ understanding and fulfilling their obligations in upholding professional ethics, accountability and transparency to promote professional and harmonious relationships with learners, parents, schools and the wider community.

Linkages between these two institutions are a proven and effective way for schools to expand what they can offer to children and provide more meaningful learning experiences making a real difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. School and community connections enable families to move from setting to setting with ease. School and community linkages engage parents to improve children’s educational outcomes. Standard parent involvement practices such as monitoring children’s homework, reading to them, and volunteering in schools are linked to students’ positive academic and behavior. There are a variety of activities in which schools can become involved to build/improve school-community partnerships. Schools need the support of their local community to achieve their goals. Effective school—community partnerships are built on open dialogue and communication. Communication between the school and the community is critical to a successful relationship, as in the case in any relationship. In today’s highly technological world, communication should be relatively easy to facilitate but is sometimes neglected. The better the relationship and engagement, the more positive the impact on students’ learning.