“A Look at Community Schools”
Through partnerships with nonprofits and local agencies, “community schools” provide students with health care, academic enrichment, mental and behavioral health services, and other youth development activities without burdening school staff. According to this report by the Center for American Progress, the small but growing number of community schools help bridge the gap between the provision of antipoverty services and high-quality academic programs.
The report provides an overview of national and local community school strategies in the United States and how community schools can decrease poverty’s detrimental effect on students. It highlights research on effective programs, including England’s extended school model, and suggests how the United States can expand community schools based on England’s experience. The report includes an interactive map and video and was accompanied by a panel event featuring Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
