Community Organizing for Stronger Schools: Strategies and Successes

About this book

cDrawing on a six-year national study Community Organizing for Stronger Schools offers a richly textured analysis of community organizing for school reform. The authors examine the role of organizing in building social and political capital and improving educational outcomes for students in some of the nations most challenged school districts. In cities across America community organizations are taking up the cause of public school reform. Their efforts are radically transforming the role of young people parents and community members in public education. As the results of their campaigns become more visible community groups are igniting interest and gaining support among education reform advocates policy makers and private foundations. The authors delineate the strategic choices and organizational characteristics that foster successful initiatives and consider how community organizing can support increased civic engagement and sustained educational reform. Finally they discuss the challenges facing this burgeoning field in a new era of American politics.