Full Service Community Schools

Full-Service Community Schools

“The [full-service] community schools strategy transforms a school into a place where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development. As partners, they organize in- and out-of-school resources, supports, and opportunities so that young people thrive.” – Framework: Essentials for Community School Transformation, January 2023.

The Essentials for Community School Transformation Framework helps school communities actively build strong relationships, partnerships and webs of supports while centering children, youth, families and communities through the integrated development and improvement of six “key practices” as defined in the Framework: Essentials for Community School Transformation:
 
1. Collaborative Leadership, Shared Power and Voice. Families, students, teachers, principals and community partners co-create a culture of professional learning, collective trust and shared responsibility as they make decisions together. These decisions are made in both formal structures, such as site-based leadership teams and regularly administered surveys, and through more informal engagement, such as coffee with the coordinator, hallway conversations and community gatherings.

2. Powerful Student, Family and Community Engagement. Families and students actively participate in the school community and are key partners in decision-making, shaping the school’s environment, priorities and partnerships. Families’ lived experiences and wisdom inform approaches to student success. As a result, schools become hubs providing opportunities for adults as well as young people.

3. Integrated Systems of Supports. To promote healthy learning and development, a dedicated team composed primarily of school staff and community partners intentionally and systematically coordinates services, supports and opportunities that foster individual and collective well-being, using an assets-based approach to nurture the strengths and address the needs of students and families. 

4. Enriched and Out-of-School-Time Learning Opportunities. Before- and after-school, weekend and summer programs provide additional time, staffing and opportunities for learning and engagement. These include academic instruction, enrichment and extracurricular activities, and individualized support. Students have opportunities to explore their passions, dive deeper into the application of academic content, and strengthen their knowledge and skills.

5. Rigorous, Community-Connected (Culturally Responsive) Classroom Instruction. Teaching and learning in the school infuses high-level content and skills with real-world learning opportunities. The curriculum is deeply connected to the local community and students’ identities, cultures and experiences, providing opportunities for students to engage in meaningful inquiry-based learning and problem-solving.

6. Culture of Belonging, Safety and Care. The school climate is welcoming and fosters trust among students, families, partners and staff. Each person in the school community is valued for their rich diversity of experiences and is encouraged to share their views, knowledge and culture. The school becomes a place grounded in healthy relationships, in which members feel safe and comfortable navigating conflicts and taking risks. Students feel connected to and are active participants in the school community.