Exploring the Relationship between a Small Rural School in Northeast Georgia and Its Community: An Image-Based Study Using Participant-Produced Photographs.

This study examined the relationship between a small rural school in northeast Georgia and its surrounding community. Three teachers, two community members, and three students used cameras to collect data related to their perceptions of the school-community relationship. They created photographs, then wrote about their photos, and finally, held the photos in their hands as they discussed their meanings with the researcher. Findings indicate that the relationship between school and community is defined by frequent interactions among kin, neighbors, and community members that permeate the school and community. Community members reinforce the values of the community and teach the rules for conduct to young and new members. Often this is done at school by modeling values and participating in activities that involve interactions between school and community. Participants provided examples of methods for maintaining community cohesion. They also provided examples of how a common will can create barriers to outsiders or those who do not conform to the community's social structure. Participants provided a vision for the future of the school-community relationship in which the old school auditorium is reclaimed and a new media center is built. These could be places where insiders and outsiders in the community meet, discuss, and consider what each has to offer the community. Increased interactions will increase social capital and strengthen the school-community relationship. Appendices present research materials, including examples of photofeedback and photoessays. (Contains 104 references and numerous photographs.) (TD)