Community Schools: The United Way November 2010

The Coalition for Community Schools Vision: The Coalition for Community Schools believes that strong communities require strong schools and strong schools require strong communities. We envision a future in which schools are centers of thriving communities where everyone belongs, works together, and succeeds. Mission: The Coalition advances opportunities for the success of children, families and communities by promoting the development of more, and more effective, community schools.

Coalition Partners include…. With over 150 local, state, and national partners, the Coalition is comprised of organizations representing: Nonprofit organizations: e.g. United Ways Youth development Health, mental health and social services K-12 and higher education Local government Community development organizations Local community school initiatives…more Our partners recognize the community school advantage in achieving their own goals.

What is a Community School? A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. It provides academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement, and brings together many partners to offer a range of support and opportunities for children, youth, families, and communities. The school is generally open for extended hours for everyone in the community. Community schools may operate in all or a subset of schools in an LEA. (Title I Guidelines, U.S. Department of Education, Sept. 2, 2009)

Community School Results: Children, Families, & Communities Students attend regularly. Students achieve academically. Students are engaged and motivated—civically and academically. Students are healthy—physically, emotionally, mentally. Families are involved and supportive—of children and their education. Schools, families and community work together. Schools are safe—for students, parents, school staff. Communities are desirable places to live.

Key Principles Foster strong partnerships Share accountability for results Align school and community assets and expertise Set high expectations for all Build on the community's strengths Embrace diversity

Community Schools across America United Ways School District Leadership: Oakland, Providence, Evansville Local Government Leadership: Portland, Grand Rapids Higher Education: Philadelphia, Tulsa National Models: Children’s Aid Society, Beacons, Communities in Schools, National Community Education Association

Community Schools: Collaborative Leadership Structure

United Way Roles in Community Schools Key player in community leadership group Intermediary organization Lead agency or contract with others to be leads Funder – fund intermediaries and incentivize the integration of grantee work at individual schools through the community schools approach

State Policy Landscape NGA focus on community schools Emerging networks in multiple states: New Mexico, California, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania

Federal Policy Landscape DIPLOMA Act (Developing Innovative Partnerships and Learning Opportunities that Motivate Achievement, S.3595, H.R. 6229) July 15, 2010 – introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) September 28, 2010 – introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA, 32 nd District) Full Service Community School (FSCS) Act 2009 re-introduction is still in committee Eleven 2010 FSCS Winners Promise Neighborhood Grants 8 of the winners have community schools at center Coalition is working to embed community school principles into the reauthorized ESEA.

Special Information for United Ways: Visit: esources_for_local_united_ways.aspx esources_for_local_united_ways.aspx Martin Blank President, Institute for Educational Leadership Director, Coalition for Community Schools 4455 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite 310 Washington, DC x167