Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge of the effects of poverty or wealth, location, community attitudes and social status on children's attainment; the Victorian Schools of the Future program; reasons for involving parents in educational decision-making. Students should have developed an understanding of the relationships between schooling and education and society and community; the role of the parents and the community in the Schools of the Future program; the value of parental interest and input into their children's education. Students should also have developed attitudes that will enable them to be confident in their ability to take part in the promotion of parental involvement; work with other members of the school community in a collaborative way; value the varied contributions of parents in the school. Students should have developed skills in the communication with parents; using family background to tailor educational programs; encouraging parental participation; working as part of a team.
Synopsis This subject includes discussion and comparison of the concepts of society, community and neighbourhood, and education and schooling. Visits to schools and the use of other case study material will enable discussion of issues related to the development of school-community relationships. These issues will include the effects of poverty or wealth, location, community attitudes and social status on performance at school; parent participation; utilisation of community resources; and the changing relationships between schools, regions and the Ministry of Education.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 50% + Essay (2000 words): 50%