Brenda Rodriguez

Brenda Rodriguez, interim director of the Chicago Public Schools project of the Center for School and Community Development at North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, discusses the importance of connecting with the community to promote cultural understanding and form partnerships in education. Excerpted from a videotaped interview with Brenda Rodriguez (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 1998).

"Find out who in the community represents the particular culture groups that may be coming to your school, and in a sense forms a partnership with them and see if you can find a liaison that can provide you with some information, some support in terms of learning about the particular population, but also just provide some opportunities for exposure and of course, as much as possible, explore the community teaching, and let your students be your guide."

This Critical Issue was written by Ginger Rodriguez, a Chicago-area writer and editor specializing in educational issues, in collaboration with Judy Caplan, coordinator of school and family partnerships at North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. Additional expertise was provided by Judy Harris Helm, president of Best Practices Inc., an educational consulting firm in Brimfield, Illinois.

Date posted: 1998