The success of AUSL’s Turnaround Schools has been enhanced by establishing strong partnerships with families, community members, and other resources associated with each school. Building these connections is not always easy, but they are absolutely vital.

The connections are with individuals who are influential in the community and who provide a valuable historical perspective that impacts important decisions, especially during our initial association with a school. We conduct information meetings with the Local School Council, local community leaders, the alderman, pastors and other members of the faith-based community to address skepticism and stimulate positive conversations within an entire community.

Buy-in and support from social service providers is another important aspect of AUSL’s community engagement. These relationships yield important collaborations benefiting our students, as evidenced by the following:

Invitations by nearby churches to use their facilities for computer training and meetings;

Involvement by specialized programs such as Urban Gateways, Merit Music, Real Men Read, Drumline, “Guest Reader Day,” participants in the annual “Principal for a Day” program;

Independent social workers and therapists conduct special support groups for students experiencing unique problems;

Cooperation from local grocers regarding the time at which they will stop selling snacks to students prior to the start of the school day;

Parents’ commitment to sending their students to school each day, reflected in increased student attendance and improved self-esteem.

The Turnaround model has had significant and welcome impact on the entire community in each school’s neighborhood. Reduced disciplinary referrals demonstrate parent/student respect for Turnaround policies on attitude and behavior. Strong leadership, dedication, commitment, academic rigor, and parental/community support have all contributed to the dramatic change taking place in the lives of the children.