Prospects for Change: Preparing Educators for School, Family, and Community Partnerships

This study explores the preparation of future teachers and administrators to conduct school, family, and community partnerships. Based on a sample of 161 schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDE) in the United States, the survey examined not only the courses and content presently offered to prospective educators, but also leaders’ perspectives and projections for the future. The results extend previous studies by identifying structural, organizational, and attitudinal factors associated with differences in SCDEs’ coverage of partnership topics, preparedness of graduates to conduct family and community involvement activities, and prospects for change. Specifically, SCDE leaders’ beliefs that partnership skills were important, required by accreditation organizations, and preferred by school districts hiring new teachers and administrators were significantly associated with more content covered on partnerships, better preparation of graduates, and future plans to require courses on partnerships for undergraduate and graduate students. SCDE leaders pointed to factors that may limit program change including faculty attitudes, university procedures, and state restrictions on additions to graduation requirements. The data suggest that SCDE leaders must be active change agents and team builders to guide their institutions to prepare future educators to conduct effective family and community involvement programs and practices.