Amplifying Community Engagement for Continuous Improvement

The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI), facilitated in partnership by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, California Association for Bilingual Education, and Families In Schools, has been pivotal in driving systemic transformation in California. This session delves into the principles and practices adopted by CEI, contextualized within the Dual Capacity-Building Framework and the Participatory Systems Change for Equity Approach.

The first segment of the session addresses the crucial role of capacity building in communities and districts. CEI’s goal has always been to empower stakeholders to engage in difficult yet necessary conversations, fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect. Improving these lines of communication has a significant impact on the outcomes for pupils. Drawing on real-life case studies from CEI, this session will guide participants through the complexities of facilitating these conversations and building enduring relationships.

Transitioning to the Participatory Systems Change for Equity Approach, we explore the value of peer-to-peer partnerships. A crucial element of CEI’s work and California’s Statewide System of Support is the development of relationships between school districts and communities. These partnerships form a robust network, driving systemic change and tackling disparities in the educational landscape. Attendees will learn strategies to create and nurture these partnerships in their contexts.

The final part of the session delves into CEI’s efforts to scale up effective practices to improve community engagement statewide. Utilizing the Peer Leading and Learning Network (PLLN) learnings, where district teams identify, share, and learn from each other’s effective practices, we will explore how these initiatives can be expanded for broader community engagement and integrated into continuous improvement efforts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain a solid understanding of the Dual Capacity-Building Framework, Participatory Systems Change for Equity Approach, and the objectives of the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI).
2. Absorb key strategies to facilitate difficult dialogues, fostering trust within the community and enhancing student outcomes based on CEI’s approach.
3. Identify best practices for community engagement and learn how to evaluate their effectiveness for potential implementation in their local context.
4. Gather insights on scaling successful practices and integrating them into continuous improvement efforts within their own communities.

Engagement

1. Interactive Group Discussions -Throughout the session, participants will be involved in guided group discussions, encouraging them to critically assess presented concepts, share their insights, and learn from peers. This collaborative approach allows for diverse perspectives and a deeper understanding of the topics.
2. Case Study Review – Real-life case studies from CEI’s work will be presented for participants to analyze. These real-world examples provide a practical context, helping attendees better to understand the application of theoretical models and strategies.
3. Data Analysis Activities -Participants will engage in hands-on data review exercises using CEI evaluation data.