Collective Impact in Education group explores goals

On Wednesday, a small group of youth service representatives discussed goals such as supporting children in and out of school, having every child succeed academically and every student graduating high school prepared for postsecondary education.

The goals and milestones were hashed out by Collective Impact in Education, a group facilitated by United Way of Southeast Missouri.

The group's mission is shaping the community to provide an environment that encourages young people to reach their full potential.

United Way executive director Nancy Jernigan said parents are the key to student success.

Melissa Stickel, director of community development at United Way, asked those attending to think about what they could do to get parents engaged.

Janice Jones, Success By 6 coordinator, said once students leave elementary school, parents don't feel like they need to be there. And it's difficult when both parents work, because by the time they get home, they don't want to go out again.

It makes a difference, though, if parents spend just a few minutes looking over their child's papers or projects, because it encourages them, Jones said. She also suggests spending quality time with children by turning off the TV and the electronic devices.

"We know you're busy, but take a minute to look at the papers your child brings home," Jones said.

Those attending were given a homework assignment to write down priorities for change in the community in sections divided into systems, institutions and organizations, resources and relationships.

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