Institute for Educational Leadership
In the early 1930's, philanthropist Charles Mott and educator Frank Manley envisioned "a lighted schoolhouse" where parents, students, schools and community organizations could work collaboratively. Three years ago, the U.S. Department of Education began funding 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) in hopes of providing safe, cost-effective havens for children, youth and their families after school and on weekends. These centers vary, but typically they host a range of activities including tutoring, drug intervention programs, field trips, and literacy and computer classes for adults. The Institute for Educational Leadership examined the effectiveness, obstacles and next steps for 21st CCLCs and found that the hardest part is establishing true collaborative governance among communities, learning centers, and schools. Because these federal grants are distributed solely to public schools, school system administrators often have the final say in decisions. The report recommends continued funding for the learning centers with priority given to those that create sustained partnerships between communities and schools. You can order a copy of this report by writing, faxing or emailing: The Institute for Educational Leadership, 1001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036, phone: (202) 822-8405, fax: (202) 872-4050, [email protected]. Copies cost $5.00.
