The idea of community education has been around for a long time. About 70 Wisconsin school districts sponsor formal community education programs, which includes a person hired to provide leadership and commitment to the Wisconsin Five Components of Community Education. These components are: Citizen Involvement, Needs Assessment and Planning, Extended Use of Public Education Facilities, Interagency Coordination and Cooperation, and Leadership and Accountability.

 

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction believes that community education can improve quality of life by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all members of the community. Schools can create community through opportunities for active recreation, citizen involvement, informal non-credit courses, and collaborations with other community organizations.