BILLY WAS RIGHT!
It was time to choose a breakout session at the National Mayor's Conference in Houston. Early '80s. My bank president, who was also a Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce leader, sent me as a delegate to learn of innovative programs from throughout the Country. There were several predictable themes: Economic Development, Environment, Transportation, Public Safety, Infrastructure, Public Education and others. With our small children just entering AISD, I chose the Education session. I walked by several rapidly filling meeting rooms en route to the designated Education room, which was almost a ghost town. Perhaps 10-20 attendees, compared to 50-100 in other topic rooms.
After we'd sat for a few short minutes, wondering if we'd made a mistake, in walks a big bluff and bravado LBJ sort who introduces himself as our group leader. Billy Reagan, HISD Superintendent and one of the most dynamic educational leaders in the Country. To say he commanded the room would be quite the understatement. He quickly surveyed the small crowd and stated," You thoughtful few made the best breakout choice this morning. Because it doesn't matter what those other rooms are discussing, no other facet of community and government can realize its potential without strong public education systems." Reagan preached about our challenges in support of our schools, teachers and students and I accepted the altar call. I came back to Austin, shared my enthusiasm with business and AISD leadership, and chaired the creation of what was Austin Adopt-A-School, now Austin's Partners In Education program.
WHO'S MAKING A DIFFERENCE?
We each have a vested interest in the success of our public schools, whether or not we have kids in those schools. As Billy Reagan reminded, every other community component is impacted by the quality of our education pipeline. Literacy, civility, creative problem solving, collaboration, job preparedness, inclusion, etc. Our community quality of life is strengthened or weakened in our public schools. There are many established programs, non-profits, collaborative partnerships and emerging models that benefit our schools. I want to highlight four significant organizations that are worthy examples of the positive energy impacting our communities. These and similar programs are in Austin and many other communities around the Country. Learn more about each through their websites and determine if there might be a supportive role for you. If not, create one.
BREAKTHROUGH AUSTIN
Breakthrough builds a path through college, beginning in middle school, for students from low-income communities who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Their program combines individualized, long-term case management with extended learning time for students who statistics say will not enroll in or graduate from college without significant support. Breakthrough believes these programs for children and families can have a multi-generational impact--replacing the cycle of poverty with self-sufficiency.
Discover more about Breakthrough at www.breakthroughaustin.org
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
Through considerable experience and research, CIS knows that children can't realize their potential when they are in crisis or face significant non-academic needs. CIS is a dropout prevention program, surrounding students with a community of support to help them address such challenges as poverty, unattended health needs, hunger, unemployed parents and domestic violence. This is achieved through CIS collaboration with volunteers, social services, businesses and other community resources. CIS of Central Texas serves thousands of children and families every year, providing options where there were once none.
Learn more about Communities In Schools at www.ciscentraltexas.org
MINDPOP
MINDPOP'S mission is to ensure that every child benefits from creative learning. When minds and imaginations are fully engaged, students develop the thinking and communication skills needed to innovate, create and find unique solutions. National, state and local research shows that when the arts are offered in schools and teachers incorporate creative learning strategies into their lessons, students are more engaged, have greater academic achievement, increased attendance, improved graduation rates and are better prepared for college and career. MINDPOP partners with schools, arts organizations, universities and community centers to find the collaborative resources necessary to achieve their mission.
Learn more about these MINDPOP opportunities at info@mindpop.org
THE UT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
UT's Elementary School mission is to develop students into lifelong learners through rigorous, research-based curricula, individualized instruction, high expectations and a nurturing environment that includes parental and community involvement; to provide opportunities for professional development and outreach for UT Austin's academic units; and to serve as a model of an exemplary educational program for diverse learners. A Healthy Families Initiative, Social and Emotional Learning and Multicultural Fine Arts programs are among efforts to make this a unique and productive experience for all concerned. UTES is part of UT's Charter School System, a unit of UT's Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. UTES is a dynamic incubator for educational innovation that can be emulated in many educational settings. You and I can play a role in that regard.
Learn more about this UT Elementary model https://utelementary.org/
HOW MIGHT WE HELP?
These are four outstanding models of significant programs making a difference in our schools. They can all use volunteer assistance and financial resources. But you can also start as close as your neighborhood schools, whether or not you have children or grandchildren in them. Most all schools have some sort of volunteer coordinator or community outreach specialist to alert you to opportunities to serve. I was a reading tutor for four years in a lower socio-economic elementary school--a most rewarding and eye/heart opening experience.
Our community's children and our schools need our support in many ways. Please consider enlisting your friend in the mirror to become a champion to a single student, class or program. We all win in the process. LET'S MOSEY!