Children's Aid Society Making the Case for Community Schools The National Perspective

Children's Aid Society 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

Children's Aid Society 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.

Children's Aid Society Community Schools: A Responsive Strategy Extended Hours Extended Services Extended Relationships (Partnerships)

Children's Aid Society core instructional program enrichment – educational & cultural removing barriers to learning & development health dental mental health social services Developmental Triangle

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

Children's Aid Society Dimensions that Distinguish Models Comprehensiveness Coherence (Integration) Commitment Funding Point of Entry Lead Agency/Partners Governance

Children's Aid Society 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

Children's Aid Society Recent Trends New funding streams (e.g., 21 st 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