LACES School Membership
Application for membership is not a single step that launches a school into LACES, but rather a series of steps that starts when a school returns the Exploring School Profile, and continues past the time a school becomes a Member. LACES envisions membership as a process whereby schools are continually working to "become" Essential Schools. We recognize that a school's interest and engagement will vary with the different stages in the process of transformation.
The stages are:
- Exploration
- Networking & Planning
- Membership
Stage 1. Exploration
In the Exploration Stage individual teachers or administrators who are interested in rethinking their school's priorities and practices contact LACES to initiate a "conversation" among faculty, administration, parents and/or district personnel about the Ten Common Principles as a way to guide change.
Schools often seek support from a LACES School Coach ((link to coaches and to coaching)) as they initiate a period of inquiry that includes a study of the 10 Common Principles as they relate to and help illuminate their specific situation.
Schools deciding to continue to pursue membership will develop “essential questions” based upon their study of the CES Principles. These questions are designed to guide each school's work as they plan for membership.
During this stage a school has:
- Contacted LACES;
- Begun a dialogue with faculty, administration, parents and district personnel;
- Developed essential questions.
Stage 2. Networking/Planning
In this second stage, the school has made a commitment to restructure or design themselves according to the 10 Common Principles. Constituencies in networking schools continue the "conversation" begun about the Principles in the exploring stage as the school community drafts a plan of action. Typically schools beginning the networking stage are thought of as planning schools, as the school community develops action plans. An action plan may include changes in curriculum and pedagogy, new criteria for grouping students, and the development of performance-based assessments.
A Networking School enters into a mentoring relationship with LACES. The school's director/principal serves as the liaison between the networking school and LACES. LACES facilitates the mentoring relationship and coordinates activities appropriate for each networking school's work.
Stage 3. Membership
A school applies for full membership when they know that they have shown progress in:
- using the 10 Common Principles to guide their practice;
- developing a capacity for analyzing work within the school;
- showing an interest in collaboration with other schools, in a cycle of self-assessment and affirmation of membership in CES.
This means that a preponderance of the school's practices and policies clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to the Common Principles.
Membership is a dynamic stage: a school's interest and engagement may vary depending upon where it is in the process of transformation.
The membership process is a tool to help each school demonstrate its progress in looking closely and honestly at its practices, taking steps to align those practices with the Ten Common Principles and renewing its commitment.
Membership in CES is a commitment to a set of shared purposes, ideas and practices that is regularly renewed in 5-year cycles. The process has several important elements, including:
- Maintaining a school portfolio to document progress,
- Participating in Critical Friends Groups , visits to give and receive feedback on reform work,
- Working with a School Coach ,
- Attending TREK I and TREK II institutes ,
- Participating in CES activities and the LACES Schools Advisory Council,
- Hosting Exhibitions to share work with the wider school community,
- Undergoing a peer review leading to a recommendation for membership.
Schools that choose CES membership, as exploring, planning/networking, or full members, can receive LACES support through access to the Center's programs and resources, professional library, publications, documentation support and grant writing assistance. In addition, LACES offers member schools networking opportunities, LACES school coaching services, membership process support, and a Schools Advisory Council position.
Schools interested in becoming CES Member Schools should contact Los Angeles Coalition of Essential Schools, School Membership Project ((button)), for fuller information about each membership stage, expectations, resources, and fees.