Asset Initiative

History

The Search Institute has identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that are called developmental assets. They describe the positive things that all young people need to grow up healthy and responsible. These assets are spread across eight broad areas of human development. External Assets, focusing on structures, relationships and activities that create a positive environment for young people include the categories of Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, and Constructive use of time. Internal Assets, reflecting values, skills, and beliefs, include the categories of Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies, and Positive Identity.

The C/B/S Partnership began in 1991 as an outgrowth of the State Department of Education's School Business Partnership. Parma City School District's principals welcomed partnerships with businesses and/or community organizations to benefit the students. In 1995, the C/B/S Partnership became closely tied to Ohio's BEST Practices, which identifies exemplary grass-roots education programs.

The Marzano Nights program utilizes techniques of researcher Robert Marzano, although they do not tell the parents or attendees that is the case. Marzano is widely recognized as an expert in both critical thinking and curriculum design. The central theme of Marzano's work has been translating research and theory into practical programs and tools for K-12 teachers and administrators.

Key Elements

Active Communities Together - ACT

• ACT is composed of the communities of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills.
• ACT is a coalition of business, faith-based, academic, local government, community, family and youth-based organizations encouraging the use of Developmental Assets as a guide to the nurturing of our youth and the strengthening of families and individuals in becoming more healthy, caring, and responsible citizens
• ACT attempts to engage the community in activities that inform, educate, and train while seeking support from all community constituencies, and to assist youth to become academically, emotionally, and socially successful young adults to promote the use of the 40 Assets

C/B/S Partnership - Community, Business, Schools

• The C/B/S Partnership is a collaboration designed to promote business and community involvement with the students of the Parma City School District.
• C/B/S is composed of schools, businesses, congregations, government, parents, teachers, retirees, services groups, professional organizations, civic associations, and concerned individuals

Marzano Nights

• The Parma Schools received an Improvement of School Climate federal grant last year, enabling them to hold several nights for parents of children K-8. During Marzano Nights, All families must complete 11 out of the 16 stations and then they receive dinner. The stations are designed to engage parents in their child's education.

Annual Budget

Annual budget is $1300. Funding comes from church volunteers, and there is no fundraising.

Staffing Needs

Church volunteers staff the initiative events.

Areas of Improvement

The C/B/S Partnership is looking for individuals, businesses, and community groups to contribute to the educational experience of the 13,000 students in the Parma City School District.