The candidate will:

• Conduct a SWOT Analysis to identify and articulate a critical need of the community the school/organization serves (template below or you may choose to design your on template);
• Conduct a Needs Assessment (pp. 1-8) with an identified community group (guidance below);
• Based on the SWOT Analysis & the Needs Assessment develop a clear Vision & Purpose for the community service project in partnership with your school (organization) and community partners;
• Identify specific Deliverable Outcomes to reach this vision
• Develop a budget for the plan
• Develop a Plan which results in the active engagement of the community in partnership with your school (organization) to accomplish the identified outcomes;
• Develop a Timeline
• Develop a Plan for Sustaining the community service project beyond this course, focusing on helping community members seek out and use additional community resources including youth services, to support student achievement, solve school/community problems, and achieve school/organization goals. This plan must be well thought out and well-articulated.
• Ensure that you address all aspects of the assessment rubric as this rubric will be applied to your submitted assignment.

The candidate will provide evidence demonstrating:

• Involvement of community members in the realization of the vision; and the skills needed to communicate effectively with all stakeholders about implementation of the community service project vision;
• A clear and obvious link between specific components of the project, school/organization needs, community needs, and related research/data;
• A clear and obvious link between the community service project itself, the needs assessment, the specific needs of that community, student achievement, and relevant research.
• The ability to involve families and other stakeholders in school/organization decision-making processes, reflecting an understanding that schools are an integral part of the larger community.

The project will provide evidence demonstrating:

The candidate's ability to

• Collaborate with families and community members in appropriate policy implementation, program planning, and assessment
• Develop strategies for reducing home/school/community involvement barriers in diverse communities
• Describe the economic factors shaping a local community and the effects economic factors have on local schools
• Understanding of how the political systems and institutional framework of schools have shaped the school and community, as well as the opportunities available to children and families in a particular school.
• Manage time effectively.

https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/compneedsassessment.pdf