Eric Schaps' (2003) article " Creating a School Community" attends to the growing need and benefit of schools creating a sense of community. People have needs that drive their motivation to learn and develop as individuals. These include the need for close relationships, physical safety, or feeling that they belong to something. " When schools meet the students' basic psychological needs, students become committed to the school's norms, values, and goals. By enlisting students in maintaining that sense of community, the school provides opportunities for students to learn skills and develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives."
Research confirms the benefits of school community building. Students are academically motivated ( Solomon, Battistich, Watson, Schaps, & Lewis, 2000); to act ethically and selfless (Schaps, Battistich & Solomon, 1997); to develop social and emotional competencies ( Solomon et al., 2000 ); and to avoid problematic behaviors ( Resnicknet al., 1997 ). The benefits of instituting a school community in the elementary grades will persist into the middle grades and even into high school. Test scores from community-based schools were shown to have been higher than comparative schools that did not implement a community base. Teachers reported more respectful and appropriately behaved students.
There are four approaches that schools can assume in order to facilitate a sense of community. 1. Promote respectful relationships among all members of the school community. 2. In addition to academic attainment, schools should focus on the value of good character, fairness, responsibility, and concern for others. 3. Provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively for the benefit of helping others. 4. Creating an environment that allows for student individuality and welcoming their ideas as a separate entity.
There are activities that can be implemented to enhance community in one's school. Establishing morning meeting, having inter-grade book buddies, parent volunteer literacy partners, home/school activity links, and PTA functions involving entire families ( Skate Night, Movie Night, Book Fairs, etc.). Community building involves all members of the school community and can bring so many advantages to its implementation. It's a win win situation!
Schaps, E. (2003). Creating a school community. Educational Leadership, 60 (6), 31-33.
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I find this very interesting because I think that is one thing that the Jewish Orthodox schools really have, a sense of community. What is particularly interesting is how much that cultural identity plays into school situations and choices. That scenerio (for better or for worse) is seen very clearly in the Yeshiva world.
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