Research Says

Combining youth development programs and sports is one of the most effective ways to promote positive development and prevent problems.

»  Share ASCD's Whole Child website and newsletter.

Vision in Action

In our last newsletter and in the October Whole Child Podcast, we shared how many school communities are using the community conversations guide to engage stakeholders and develop a vision and commitment for educating the whole child. The guide asks stakeholders what educating the whole child means to them, and we found that they could easily fill a chalkboard with a plethora of adjectives describing the character of a child who will grow into a successful adult, as well as a list of effective educational practices. Stakeholders are left inspired by the collective realization that each child is deserving and capable of achieving his or her own unique, whole potential.

Whatever the process that works to engage your school community in creating a vision, sustaining momentum by refining and sharing this vision is an important next step. Gather the key ideas from your initial conversations, and then use this exercise from Educating the Whole Child: An ASCD Action Tool to help you refine and share your school community's vision for educating the whole child.

• Our vision for each child in our school/district is that he or she will:
• Our vision for each family in our school/district is that they will:
• Our vision for each teacher in our school/district is that he or she will:
• Our vision for each school in our district is that it will:
• Our vision for our community is that it will:

Just as good teaching engages students in the process of learning, good planning engages the broader school community in the process of educating the whole child. When the community and school develop a vision, see what's possible for each student, and understand their own roles, stakeholders are moved to action.

» So, what's your vision? How are you called to turn your vision for educating the whole child into reality? Share your ideas with us on the Whole Child Blog.

Envisioning a Community School

Still creating your school community's vision for educating the whole child? Why not take a peek at diverse schools from across the United States that get their strength from their local communities to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged? Two whole child partners, the Coalition for Community Schools and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recently released a case study of eight high schools that have embraced the community school approach and are showing results in student success that include reduction of dropout rates and an increase in college acceptances.

Duncan to Host National Town Hall Meeting

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will host a town hall meeting for teachers in a special edition of the department's monthly "News Parents Can Use" broadcast on October 20 from 8:00–9:00 p.m. (ET). Duncan will take comments and questions from teachers in the live studio audience and via phone, e-mail, and video about a variety of issues, including how to recruit, support, and retain excellent teachers in all our schools; the best ways to measure and reward excellence in teaching; and the ways No Child Left Behind needs to change to support effective teaching. To contribute to the discussion, viewers may call the show during the live broadcast at 1-888-493-9382.

» Expect More. Get More.

“By continuing to educate the whole child through intensive instruction based on our student data; academic intervention programs before, during and after school; extra-curricular activities; and through our Performing Arts Program ... staff and the community [continue] to develop strong collaborative efforts that ensure the overall well-being and success of our students.”

This message was sent by ASCD. Click here to unsubscribe.
View this newsletter and past issues in the archives.
Learn more at www.wholechildeducation.org.