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Getting Started with Citizen Schools

Citizen Schools' President and CEO discusses how his program began -- by starting small and thinking big. Plus tips and resources for starting your own extended-day learning program.

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Running Time: 01:53

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Read the following tips from Eric Schwarz, or click here for additional resources.

Getting-Started Tips

Want to start a full-time-learning model in your community? Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or community member, these tips will help you get going.

Do your research:

  • View this site and others for ideas about what type of program you want to create, for which age groups, and during which hours.
  • Review academic standards. Always make sure standards fold into the project.
  • Talk with leaders from similar programs for background information.
  • Document your needs and findings.

Recruit good people:

  • Principals should play an active role.
  • Recruit people with strong leadership skills and connections to the community.
  • Ask colleagues, parents, and friends to help. Assign specific roles and tasks.

Develop a business plan:

  • Highlight how the project benefits students.
  • Refer to historically successful learning programs: Include essentials, such as the project goal, outline, funding ideas, resources, and directive.

Sell the project:

  • Get the PTA and parent groups involved. Parents can participate directly (by becoming mentors) or indirectly (by recruiting their employers).
  • Ask civic organizations and businesses for support.

Involve the students:

  • Ask them to brainstorm their own full-time-learning programs.
  • Encourage them to take part in the plan.

Getting-Started Links

Check out these Web sites for more information about establishing your own program.

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