Community Partnerships in Urban, Title 1 Elementary Schools: A Mixed-Methods Study

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to identify and describe community partnerships in Urban, Title 1 Elementary Schools. Fifty-one principals from the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States completed a 19-question on-line survey designed to explore community partnerships in Urban, Title 1 Elementary Schools. Of the 51 principals who completed the survey, 26 agreed to participate in a semi-structured interview. The findings of the study suggest that community partnerships play an essential role in supporting Urban, Title 1 Elementary Schools. Finding community partners can be challenging. Principals who wish to engage community partners should identify the needs of the school prior to seeking community partners or implementing a community partnership program. Community partnerships came from businesses and corporations, faith organizations, or volunteers in the community. The partners primarily provided activities that were student-centered or school-centered. The activities that provided the greatest impact were student-centered activities that were focused on relationship building and promoting a greater understanding of life outside of the classroom. Advisor: Marilyn L. Grad