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

2. 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

3. Many partners, one vision

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

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

11. School Leadership Teams

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. July , 2014
Thank you!
Martin Blank Coalition for Community Schools (