Community schools: a strategy, not a program Martin Blank, President IEL, Director Coalition for Community Schools, April 15, 2015 -welcome, glad to be here www.communityschools.org

About the coalition Established in 1997 House at the Institute for Educational Leadership Alliance of over 200 national, state and local organizations Our partners span the sectors of education K-16, youth development, community planning and development, family support, health and human services, government and philanthropy as well as national, state and local community school networks

Many partners, one vision www.communityschools.org

Coalition vision and mission Vision: Schools are centers of flourishing communities where everyone belongs, works together, and thrives. Mission: To unite school, community and family for young people’s success.

Community School Core Principles Shared vision and accountability for results Strong partnerships Leveraging resources Alignment of school and community assets High expectations for all Community strengths Respect for diversity Local decision making www.communityschools.org

A strategy, not a program Integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and family and community engagement. Aligns resources of school and community to attain improved student learning and development and strong families and communities. Offer a personalized curriculum that emphasizes real-world learning and community problem-solving. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends. Vehicle for educational equity and an instrument for social justice

Community Schools a recipe FOR Success The same “black box” of ingredients that makes the Mediterranean Diet so effective is the same recipe that community schools use Community Schools are Smart Schools Community Schools help students learn Community Schools build strong communities

Opportunities & Supports Better Learning Family & Community Engagement Community Schools Framework Opportunities & Supports Better Learning Family & Community Engagement

THEORY OF ACTION: A Scaled-Up System of Community Schools

Keys at the school site Supportive Principal Involved Teachers Community School Coordinator School Site Leadership Team Results Focus Engaged Partners

School Leadership Teams www.communityschools.org

Our Impact and Outcomes for Children Academic Achievement Cost-Effective Strategy Early Childhood Readiness Keeping Students in School Increased Graduation Rates A 2014 report by ChildTrends, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center, synthesized rigorous evaluations of community school initiatives, particularly integrated student supports, and concluded that there is growing evidence that community schools reduce grade retention and dropout rates, while increasing attendance, math achievement, and grade point average.

resources We’re here to help! www.communityschools.org On our website: Case studies, research and current school board policies Resources uniquely for school board members and other roles (educator, parent, community partner, etc.) How to start a community school toolkit Moving forward: Site visits to nearby community schools & initiatives Peer learning networks Ongoing support from Coalition staff www.communityschools.org

Union Role In Community Schools Development Communicate the challenges student and their teachers face to other organizations and the public Build relationships and partnerships with other key institutions Grow community support for starting community schools Get involved in community schools development Make sure teachers are informed and receptive  Advocate for Parent-Teacher Home Visits and Academic Parent Teachers Teams

Teacher Roles in Community Schools Participate in site-based leadership teams Get to know community partners in the schools. Know how to refer and support students Know how to interact with kids in a trauma-informed manner (ACES – Adverse Child Experiences Study)  

July 30 - 31, 2014 Thank you! Martin Blank (blankm@iel.org) Coalition for Community Schools (www.communityschools.org)