1. Ready By 21 Webinar Series: United Ways and Community Schools – Lessons from the Field United Way Worldwide October 28, 2010

2. Today’s Objectives Share a common definition of Community Schools Learn about the extent of United Way support for community schools across the country Hear about national trends in community schools, federal, and state policy developments Learn how two local United Ways have implemented community schools initiatives in their community

3. Presenters Marty Blank, President of the Institute for Educational Leadership & Director of the Coalition of Community Schools Ashley Hillman, Community Collaborations Director, United Way of Salt Lake Jill Pereira, Acting Director, COMPASS Community Schools, United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley

4. Big Goals United Way set out a challenge 18 months ago, that by 2018 we would work with communities to:  Cut by half the number of students who drop out  Cut by half the number of financially unstable lower-income working families  Improve by one-third the number of healthy risk-avoiding youth and adults Audacious goals that can’t be achieved by United Way alone

5. Our Point of View: The Birth-21 Education Continuum We must give our children the tools to: – Enter school ready to succeed – Read proficiently by 4 th grade; – Make a successful transition to middle school; – Graduate from high school on time; and – Be ready for success in college, work and life

6. The Total Child requires the Total Community. We have to insulate the education pipeline.

7. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 Ready By 21 Partnership Partners – American Association for School Administrators; Corporate Voices; Forum for Youth Investment; National Conference of State Legislatures; and the National Collaboration for Youth Development Goal – improve the number of youth that are ready for college, career and life by age 21 through leadership development Key UWW Activities (1) develop UW specific tools, resources and learning opportunities; (2) create and grow a UWW RB21 Learning Community; (3) provide grants in the SE to build UW system capacity

8. “The 4 B’s” – The Capacities Leaders Need To Strengthen To Do Business Differently Broader Partnerships Bigger Goals Better Data & Decision Making Bolder Strategies

9. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 What is a Community School? Provides a comprehensive and diverse set of school-based services and supports - including academics, physical and mental health services, social services; youth development, etc. Describes both the place “school” where these supports are primarily provided, and the mechanism for accomplishing this – through a strategic and intentional set of partnerships Schools are generally open to the community Community engagement is emphasized

10. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 United Way Worldwide Community Schools Survey Summary of Responses October 28, 2010

11. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 United Way’s Role in Community Schools Initiatives

12. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 UW Staff Roles in Community Schools Initiatives

13. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 Funding for Community Schools Initiatives Significant range in UW direct support for Community Schools – e.g. $10,000 - $1.1 million Additional sources of funding include: –The local school system (80%) –Federal funding (e.g. Title I, 21 st CCLC, TANF, etc.) –Private foundations (Gates, Ford) –Corporate donors

14. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 Outcomes for Community Schools Initiatives About ½ UW respondents working in community schools state that their coalition has identified outcomes for their Community Schools Initiative Of those respondents, most commonly identified outcomes included: –Increasing attendance rates –Reducing risk-taking behaviors –Improving on-time graduation rates –Improving academic performance

15. United Way’s Education Action Plan June 12, 2009 Noted Challenges Collaborating with school districts Shortage of resources UW internal capacity Identifying clear goals/focus on outcomes

16. www.communityschools.org 16 Community Schools: The United Way November 2010

17. www.communityschools.org 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. www.communityschools.org17

18. www.communityschools.org 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. www.communityschools.org18

19. www.communityschools.org 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)

20. www.communityschools.org 20 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.

21. www.communityschools.org 21 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

22. www.communityschools.org Community Schools across America 30-35 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 www.communityschools.org22

23. www.communityschools.org Community Schools: Collaborative Leadership Structure www.communityschools.org23

24. www.communityschools.org United Way Roles in Community Schools www.communityschools.org24 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

25. www.communityschools.org State Policy Landscape NGA focus on community schools Emerging networks in multiple states: New Mexico, California, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania www.communityschools.org25

26. www.communityschools.org 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. www.communityschools.org26

27. www.communityschools.org Special Information for United Ways: Visit: http://www.communityschools.org/resources/r esources_for_local_united_ways.aspx http://www.communityschools.org/resources/r 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 20008 202-822-8405 x167 blankm@iel.org www.communityschools.org27

28. Community Learning Center Initiative United Way of Salt Lake

29. Background July 2006 July 2007 Problems Identified 2004 Community Assessment identified barriers to education as one of four underlying “core issues” or causes of other serious community needs. Community Agenda Task Force Diverse community group brought together to discuss highly effective strategies for addressing each of the “core issues” identified in the community assessment. Community Learning Centers identified and selected as one of two key strategies. Community Learning Centers Change Council Broad group of education and other experts convened to research and develop a strategy for implementing Community Learning Centers. Project Begins October 2004 November 2004 to June 2005 July 2005 to June 2006 August 2007 Start-Up Funding and Partner Selection Start-up funding is secured, RFP developed and lead partner is selected.

30. Late July 2008 Research begins and steering committee formed. Centro de la Familia convenes steering committee and lays out plan for implementing initiative. Children’s Aid Society trains steering committee and team attends Community Schools Conference Community schools conference held in Portland, OR. Eight representatives from Utah attend. RFP released and partner schools are selected Selection subcommittee chooses 4 schools from a pool of 13. Woodrow Wilson Kearns Jr. High Mountain View Wasatch City of South Salt Lake, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City School District, and Davis School District selected as lead partners. August 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 Early July 2008 October 2008 Centro decides not to continue as CLC lead partner Meetings with stakeholders held to get feedback on best way to move initiative forward.

31. Getting Started: Target Objectives Increases in overall educational achievement Reductions in achievement gaps Improvements in school readiness Gains in child and youth development Greater family stability and engagement in education

32. Research and Assessment The Community Agenda Task Force was reorganized as a “Community Change Council” including: education and non-profit experts, as well as government, business, and faith-based representatives. The council met monthly over the course of a year to further study the Community Learning Center model, assess feasibility of CLC implementation in Salt Lake County, identify barriers, and recommend a potential strategy to expand CLCs. A national expert from the Children’s Aid Society was brought to Utah for direct consultation. Each district in SL County presented their approach to CLC implementation (and meetings were held with each superintendent). Focus groups were held with educators, parents and youth to assess needs and interest in the CLC concept.

33. CLCs have faced a variety of barriers over the course of implementation, including: Procuring sustainable resources Community / neighborhood support and engagement Lack of support from school personnel (usually as a result of excessive demands and limited resources) The challenge of meeting basic educational needs given Utah’s education funding dilemma is so significant that more comprehensive education models such as CLCs must involve the community in a substantial way. Evidence-based success as we approach the 3 rd year of CLC funding confirms that this is a powerful model. UWSL Community Change Council Findings

34. Evidence-Based Success: Community Learning Center Highlights 2010 With nearly 100 coordinated services, CLC sites are offering a multitude of programs that range from gingerbread house festivals and ESL courses to mobile medical clinics and computer tutoring. At Wasatch Elementary in Davis County 72% of the students have increased their scores on standardized tests. In August of 2009 Guadalupe Schools had 2 parents on the Parent Involvement Committee (PTA). At the end of the 2010 school year, the same committee had 25 parents actively involved. Wasatch Elementary’s free and reduced lunch rates increased this school year, but the mobility rates have decreased. In Park City, the Holy Cross CLC has served over 450 students and parents. Programs at Holy Cross contain academic skill building and recreational components, as well as home visitation. Kearns Junior High served over 2800 individuals at the Kearns Community Learning Center while the Davis CLC served nearly 3000.

35. A New Way of Thinking: Funding Centers to Achieve Community Impact A 10 year transformation comes to fruition; success of CLCs validates UWSL’s shift to a focus on funding collaborative efforts. Community Learning Centers Welcome Centers Prosperity Centers UWSL is focusing its allocation of resources to achieve greater impact without spreading resources an inch deep and a mile wide. Basic Needs; Community Impact (Integrated Service Delivery and Advocacy)

36. EDUCATIONINCOM E HEALTH Food, Housing, Health and Safety Basic Needs Build a strong foundation of early learning from birth to age 8 Measures  age appropriate development  kindergarten readiness  4 th grade reading levels Help people gain the income and financial tools to thrive Improve child health and promote healthy behaviors Measures  income to support family  saving for college and / or retirement Measures  health coverage and access  illness and disease  obesity rates Education, Income and Health and English Language, Civic Engagement and Inclusion Immigrant / Refugee Integration

38. Journey to the Lehigh Valley: COMPASS Community Schools in Action Jill Pereira, Acting Director, COMPASS Community Schools

39. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 39 Lehigh Valley Snapshot Two counties – 626,850 population Metro IA United Way - $9.4 M “Campaign” – 36 Staff  Total $3.3 M investment in early childhood and education programs, systems strategies  17 school districts – 200 schools – 100,000 students  42 schools in 4 districts identified as “highest need” (based on academic performance/poverty rate)  50+% urban students eligible for free/reduced lunch  1,000+ students drop out of high school each year

40. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 40 Building on over 10 Years of School Success Partnerships…  1997-2005: Lehigh Valley Council for Youth  Partnerships with 7 school districts (20+ schools) to pilot “school success” models: 5 Family Centers “Wraparound” for challenged students Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 40 Developmental Assets  2005: Regional “launching” Community Schools Conference & first three Community Schools  2006: New collaborative name & board for a new strategic direction – Community Partners for Student Success (COMPASS)

41. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 41 Our Theory of Change… Student well-being is necessary to absorb quality education Schools cannot do it alone – Parents and community partners help build resources and social capital to support students Community School model seeks long-term/integrated improvements vs. quick-fix/fragmented programs More and stronger Community Schools are possible with ongoing skilled support Measurable Results: School Success & Graduation

42. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 42 Resource Development for Community School Partnerships Project Investment Program Investment Range: $10,000- $290,000 Partnership Investment Approximately $500,000 annually Mini-grants for small, specific projects After School Programs, Parent Engagement Programs/Services, Salaries for Essential Staff Members, such as Parent Coordinators, After School Coordinators Community School Coordinator/Director Salary, Training and Technical Assistance, Operating Costs

43. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 43 COMPASS: UW’s Intermediary Catalyst for “Movement” COMPASS “brand” represents collaborative of two counties, three school districts, five lead partner organizations, multiple volunteers and funders Mobilize & support new Community Schools Strengthen developing Community Schools Train Community School staff, leaders & teams Equip community-based organizations to partner effectively with schools Engage local businesses & corporations in “adopting” schools Build public/private resource pool to achieve critical mass

44. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 44 COMPASS Community Schools: Core Ingredients School Principal leading the vision and process Community School Coordinator/Director employed by a Lead Community Organization or Institution of Higher Education (Lead Partner) Site-based Leadership Team Results-focused, curriculum-integrated plan Coherent web of partnerships Parents as leaders and decision-makers

45. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 45 Getting Started… Four main areas to consider: Identifying the right outcomes Building the right knowledge base Identifying the right structure Building the right energy and support

46. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 46 Identifying the Right Outcomes Assess current district, school, and community priorities for students, families, and the neighborhood through data-driven discussion Assess priorities and desired outcomes for systems Agree on results-framework (school accountability/improvement plan, results- accountability models) that works

47. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 47 Building the Right Knowledge Base Map school and community assets (programs, services, partners) Gather information from peers through site visits, webinars, other Community School events, conferences, publications Improve familiarity with the “language” and priorities of education Improve familiarity with the processes, advantages and challenges of community-based organizations

48. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 48 Identifying the Right Structure Key characteristics of Community Schools included extended hours, extended relationships, extended services… assess capacity of key players Articulate clear roles and expectations for all partners through collaborative agreements/contracts/MOU re: staffing, access to data, facility usage/space, resources (including in-kind) Insist on right “skill set” and qualifications (education, experience) for coordinator roles (bi-lingual, systems thinker, communicator)

49. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 49 Building Energy and Support Build transparent relationships with critical alliances Establish clear path to resource development (know what you want to fund/raise funds to support) Develop compelling student-centered message to share with multiple constituents Offer plenty of opportunities for engagement at all levels

50. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 50 COMPASS Community School Organizational Model United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Community Partners for Student Success (COMPASS) Fountain Hill ES Bethlehem Area School District Northampton Community College Lincoln ES East Stroudsburg University Central ES Boys & Girls Club of Allentown South Mountain MS Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley Roosevelt ES Boys & Girls Club of Allentown Allentown School District Bangor Area School District Slater Family Network Calypso ES Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley Director of Training & Support COMPASS Acting Director of COMPASS Broughal Middle School Lehigh University Boys & Girls Club of Allentown

51. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 51 2009-2010 RBA Highlights: Students and Families Central: 1st Grade Read Along in March brought 40 parents together with their children to practice reading RIF books, which were then given to the students to take home and continue reading with their parents. Calypso: Nearly 85% of students participated in some form of afterschool programs during 2009-2010. Five Calypso parents organized and ran afterschool enrichment programs for students throughout the year. Roosevelt: Twelve parents attended an 8 week STEP parenting program that introduced strategies for interacting with difficult youth. 100% of the parents reported feeling more prepared to positively discipline their children and stated they would implement the strategies. SMMS: After attending Bring Your Parents to School Day, one parent commented: “I have a new and more personal respect for public and private educators after two periods in the 6th grade.”

52. …A Community Building Partnership of United Way of the Lehigh Valley 52 2009-2010 RBA Highlights School Improvements SMMS: SMMS awarded $5000 Lowes ToolBox for Education Grant to support creation of a Clothing Closet, Food Bank, and School Supplies Bank. Lincoln: 91% of students did not receive any Code of Conduct warnings throughout the year Fountain Hill: Fountain Hill Police Department hired a Community Police officer who has worked closely with the school. He has talked to students about appropriate bus behavior, bullying and sponsored prizes for school wide Reading Challenge. Roosevelt: There was a 20 % reduction in the number of discipline referrals 08-09 and a nearly 36% decrease since 07-08 school year. Central: Community School Director has been granted access to the School Messenger System and School Max Data System, enabling her to better maintain communication with families and to track individual student information and progress