Understand and can explain the roles of school leaders, boards of education, legislators and other key stakeholders in making education policy.

Welcome community engagement: Educational leaders must create an inclusive and welcoming environment that encourages active participation from members of the local community. This involves fostering open communication channels, building relationships with stakeholders, and inviting diverse voices to contribute to discussions about improving learning and achievement for all students. By welcoming community engagement, educational leaders can gain valuable insights, perspectives, and support to address the needs of their students effectively.

Facilitate conversations: Educational leaders should facilitate meaningful conversations with the local community to identify priorities, share information, gather input, and collaboratively develop strategies to improve learning and achievement outcomes for all students. This may include hosting community forums, town hall meetings, focus groups, or advisory committees, as well as utilizing surveys, questionnaires, and other feedback mechanisms to solicit input from stakeholders. By facilitating conversations, educational leaders can build trust, foster collaboration, and empower the community to be active partners in the educational process.

To support educational leaders in this endeavor, here are some web links to relevant resources:

Community Engagement Strategies: The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) offers resources and best practices for engaging with the community, including tips for effective communication, building partnerships, and involving stakeholders in decision-making: NSPRA Community Engagement Resources
English Learner Engagement: The Colorín Colorado website provides resources and strategies for engaging English Learner families and communities, including tips for effective communication, cultural responsiveness, and family engagement practices: Colorín Colorado Family Engagement Resources
Equity-focused Community Conversations: The Education Trust provides resources and tools for facilitating equity-focused community conversations, including discussion guides, facilitator tips, and sample agendas to help educational leaders engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue about equity and opportunity gaps: Education Trust Community Conversations
Student and Family Surveys: Educational leaders can utilize survey platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to create and distribute surveys to students, families, and community members, gathering feedback on their experiences, needs, and priorities for improving learning and achievement: SurveyMonkey, Google Forms

By welcoming and facilitating conversations with the local community about improving learning and achievement for all students, including English Learners and students needing additional support, educational leaders can build partnerships, strengthen relationships, and create a shared vision for student success that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.