Children's Aid Society

Making the Case for Community Schools

The National Perspective

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Goals of Today’s Presentation

To examine four different “snapshots” or definitions of community schools

To assess the commonalities and differences among the various community school models

To review the underlying research base of the community schools approach

To explore recent national trends related to community schools

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Coalition for Community Schools’ Definition

A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone—all day, every day, evenings and weekends.

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Community Schools:A Responsive Strategy

Extended Hours Extended Services Extended Relationships

(Partnerships)

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core

inst

ruct

iona

l pro

gram

enrichment – educational &

cultural

removing barriers to learning & development• health• dental

• mental health• social services

Developmental Triangle

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Some Well-Known Models Children’s Aid Society Healthy Start Beacons Bridges to Success Schools of the 21st Century (Yale) 21st Century Community Learning

Centers WEPIC (University-Assisted)

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Dimensions that Distinguish Models

Comprehensiveness Coherence (Integration) Commitment Funding Point of Entry Lead Agency/Partners Governance

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Solid Research Base Importance of ongoing support and

opportunities to children’s development Importance of parental involvement to

children’s school success Importance of non-school hours to

children’s learning and development Importance of consistent adult guidance Importance of consistent messages from

developmental influences Service fragmentation hinders effectiveness

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Recent Trends New funding streams (e.g., 21st CCLC) New evidence on the effectiveness of

community schools (e.g., Making the Difference study)

District-wide initiatives as efforts to “go to scale” (e.g., Chicago)

District policies that support CS strategy