Community Schools - a California Perspective For more than 100 years, community schools have promoted a simple and fundamental value, community and family are inextricably joined and must work closely together for the benefit of every child

UC Davis - Calfiornia Center for Community School Partnerships Community Schools Improve Outcomes for Students, Families Schools and Communities Improve student learning Promote family engagement with students and schools Help schools function more effectively Add vitality to communities

UC Davis - Calfiornia Center for Community School Partnerships Why Community Schools do a Better Job Garner additional resources for the school, reducing the demands on school staff Provide learning opportunities that develop both academic and non-academic competencies Offer young people, their families and community residents opportunities to build social capital

UC Davis - Calfiornia Center for Community School Partnerships Community Schools Fulfill 5 Conditions Necessary for Learning Promote quality core teaching and learning Provide students motivated for in-school and out- of-school learning Provide for basic physical, mental and emotional health needs of young people and their families Provide for mutual respect and effective partnership among parents, families & school staff Promote a school that is safer and more connected to the community

UC Davis - Calfiornia Center for Community School Partnerships Community Schools - California’s legislative record Healthy Start Legislation After School Learning and Safe Neighborhoods Partnership Before and After School Partnerships st Century Comm. Learning Centers - State Program Prop 49 - After School for All (initiates in 2006 or later) But all are short-term, grant driven and dependent - a challenge for institutional change

UC Davis - Calfiornia Center for Community School Partnerships Community Schools - Promising Results from California Healthy Start Evaluations (SRI, CDE) - improvements in child well being, family functioning, and academic achievement After School Evaluations (UCI) - a catalyst for speedier improvements in standardized test scores; a contributor to school safety and positive climate API and AYP Community Schools offer key interventions to rapidly increase these scores Promotion of Positive Youth Development as a major force in improving community and school outcomes (NAS) Bottom line = Community Schools Work in California!

Community Schools Now Your commitment to these academies demonstrates your belief that the best schools will be community schools. Now we will find out who you are and what gifts you bring to the academies.