ECED117_Fall'24_Wk10

Week 10 ECED 117 - Family, Community, and School Relationships in a Diverse Society

Fall' 2024

In today's Class.....

1.

Chapter 7

2.

Activity

3.

Class Discussion

4.

Break

5.

Activity

6.

Assignment

7.

Quiz

Chapter 7: The impact of communities on students learning

Community

What comes to your mind when you hear the term: Community?

"Community refers to a condition in which people share something with each other." (Gold, Simon, & Brown, 2002a; 2002b)

How do the bonding and bridging functions of community influence social inclusion and support among different groups?

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Activity

• What groups do you belong to that provide emotional support?

• Can you identify any experiences where you interacted with people from different backgrounds? What was that like?

Step 1: Share your personal experiences with your group related to bonding and bridging in your own communities in the light of the following questions

Step 2: Create a Bonding and Bridging Chart

• On the Butcher paper or Google Slides create two columns: Bonding Functions and Bridging Functions.
• Write down examples of each function you discussed earlier.
• You can also use sticky notes to write individual examples and place them on the chart.

What factors contribute to the weakening of community social bonds?

Impact of Social and Economic Changes on Community Bonds

Shift from Local to Larger Institutions

The transition from small, local businesses to large corporations has diminished personal connections. Neighborhoods once served as social hubs, fostering interactions among community members.

Technological Isolation

Advancements such as air conditioning, television, and the Internet have created environments where individuals prefer solitary entertainment, reducing face-to-face interactions.

Impact of Social and Economic Changes on Community Bonds

Increased Workforce Participation

More women entering the workforce for economic reasons has led to less volunteering and informal supervision of children, impacting community cohesion.

Fear of Crime

Concerns about safety discourage informal gatherings in public spaces, leading to isolation, especially among vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children.

Impact of Social and Economic Changes on Community Bonds

Mobility and Displacement

Increased mobility due to job demands has resulted in less effort to build neighborhood ties as families move frequently, distancing themselves from extended family and community.

Population Categories and Growth Trends

Categories: U.S. Census Bureau defines communities as either: Metropolitan Areas: Core population of 50,000 or more. Micropolitan Areas: Core population between 10,000 and 50,000. Growth Trends: Metropolitan areas grew by 10.8% (2010), faster than micropolitan areas at 5.9%. 83.7% of U.S. population lived in metropolitan areas by 2010.

Economic Changes in Rural Communities

Decline in Farming: Corporate dominance in farming increased production costs. Impact: Decline in population as young people left for jobs elsewhere. Fewer students led to reduced school funding, limiting educational programs. Cultural Shifts: Increased use of immigrant labor brought more cultural diversity and language differences in schools.

Growth of Exurbs

Definition: Low-density living areas located outside of suburbs, connected to metropolitan areas. Benefits: Access to corporate jobs, cultural events, healthcare, and quality schools. Lower crime rates and a slower pace of life. Challenges: Long commutes decrease community engagement and social ties.

Suburbanization and Social Diversity

Suburbanization: Began in the 1950s, moving populations from cities to suburbs. Segregation: Many suburban areas are segregated by race, class, and lifestyle. Socioeconomic Range: Some suburbs are socioeconomically diverse, while others are more homogenous.

Baby Boomer Retirees and Rural Transformation

Retirement Trends: Many baby boomers are retiring to rural and small-town areas. Impact: Increased demand for business, social, and community services. Rising costs for housing and services, which can strain original residents' financial stability. Growth in low-wage service jobs for local communities.

Urban Ethnic Neighborhoods and Economic Development

Historical Role: Ethnic neighborhoods helped immigrants adapt to life in the U.S. through language, culture, and economic support. Current Role: These neighborhoods remain important in urban economic development, but face challenges from gentrification.

Migration Patterns and Community Identity

Rural Areas: Outmigration has caused economic decline and fewer young people staying to form families. Urban Areas: Cities continue to attract people seeking economic advancement, contributing to diversity and growth.

Break

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Prompt: The U.S. Census Bureau categorizes communities into metropolitan and micropolitan areas based on population size and density. Discuss how population growth trends between these two types of areas have shaped social, political, and economic changes in the U.S. from 1950 to 2010.

Group 1

Group Discussion

Hint: Consider the differences in growth rates and how metropolitan areas, which experienced faster growth, might have different challenges compared to micropolitan ones.

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Prompt: Many rural communities in the U.S. have experienced a decline in population due to economic changes in the agricultural industry. How have these changes impacted schools and local economies in these areas?

Group 2

Group Discussion

Hint: Think about the relationship between population decline, reduced school funding, and the shift from family-owned farms to large corporations.

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Prompt: Exurbs, as a new type of small-town living space, have become more common in the U.S. as corporations move their headquarters to suburbs. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of living in an exurban community.

Group 3

Group Discussion

Hint: Discuss the benefits of rural living with access to urban resources, but also the social challenges that arise from long commutes and decreased community engagement.

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Prompt: Suburbanization has led to the movement of populations from cities to suburban areas, sometimes creating communities segregated by race, class, or education. How does suburbanization impact social diversity in both suburban and urban communities?

Group 4

Group Discussion

Hint: Consider how suburban areas might differ in terms of diversity, and how this shift influences social interaction and school dynamics.

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Prompt: The influx of baby boomer retirees into rural and small-town communities has significantly altered their social and economic landscapes. Discuss both the positive and negative impacts of this demographic shift.

Group 5

Group Discussion

Hint: Consider how retirees bring financial stability and demand for services, but also how their presence might change the cost of living and job market for original residents.

Group Discussion: 15-18 min Presentation: 15-20 min

Prompt: Ethnic neighborhoods in cities have historically provided immigrants with community and economic support. How have these neighborhoods evolved as U.S. cities have grown, and what role do they play in economic development today?

Group 6

Group Discussion

Hint: Explore how these neighborhoods helped immigrants adapt, and how they fit into larger trends of urbanization and gentrification.

Key Points for linking schools and families with communities:

School-Community Partnership Approaches

• Need/Deficit-Based Approach: Initiatives that focus on addressing perceived deficits by bringing external resources to support families.
• Asset-Based Approach: Engages community members to identify strengths and resources already present, aiming to develop additional supports collaboratively.

Epstein's National Network of Partnership Schools

• Focus on shared responsibility among home, school, and community for children's development and success.

• Concept of “overlapping spheres of influence”: Families, schools, and communities should work in partnership for optimal student achievement.
• Epstein’s vision includes schools as central hubs that provide services to students and families beyond the school day, enhancing community access to resources.

Key Points for linking schools and families with communities:

Assumptions of Effective Partnerships

• Shared responsibility and common interest in student well-being.
• Partnerships should be centered on students, including them as stakeholders in decision-making.
• Trust and respect form the foundation, allowing for changes and disagreements.
• Importance of support from the community and flexibility to adapt to challenges.

Six Levels of Family Involvement

• Emphasis on engaging families at multiple levels from basic communication to active involvement in curriculum-focused activities. Example: Interactive homework assignments to support family engagement in home learning.

Key Points for linking schools and families with communities:

Role of an Action Team

• Establishing a steering group or action team is essential to guide partnership efforts and sustain collaboration.
• Focus on curriculum-linked partnerships to enrich children’s learning experiences.

Introduction to Parents Rights Assignment

Quiz

For example:

• A common culture
• A feeling of belonging
• A network of social and emotional ties
• A structure of occupations

Some may share a neighborhood, but not a culture or even a feeling of belonging

Influence on Social Inclusion: By fostering deep ties among individuals with shared backgrounds, bonding functions create a strong foundation of trust and mutual aid. However, they may inadvertently lead to exclusivity, as the clarity of who is "in" or "out" can reinforce boundaries and limit engagement with outsiders. This can sometimes hinder the participation of marginalized individuals or groups who might not fit into these tight-knit communities.

Bonding Functions refer to the connections formed within homogeneous groups, such as extended families, close friends, and local religious or social organizations. These networks provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and security for their members.