ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the importance of community collaboration, not only as a solitary strategy, but also as an effective way to unite and mobilize the school and the surrounding community in implementing all the strategies outlined in a strategic plan for youths at risk of school failure. Community builders focus on academic achievement in a broader context that includes social and personal development. Strategies for dropout prevention work best when built on a foundation of school-community collaboration and implemented in the context of a strategic plan. Collaboration can mean coordination, integrated services, school-linked and school-based services, any focus on non-educational or supportive services, public-private partnerships with businesses and community groups, parental or family involvement. The General Accounting Office study found that many programs produced anecdotal data that demonstrate strong community support for the programs. School-community collaborations typically strive to improve and strengthen schools, families, and student learning.
