What You Can Do To Help

Evaluations since 1992 have shown that community schools


• improve student achievement.
• increase parental involvement.
• demonstrate higher student and teacher attendance.
• improve school climate.
• decrease special education referrals.
• improve mental and physical health for students.

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Locked in a Conspiracy

James P. Comer, the Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine's Child Study Center and a whole child commissioner, often says that the community in which he was raised was, "locked into a conspiracy to make certain that I grew up to be a responsible, contributing citizen." But what does that look like in a modern world? What do a school and community look like when they truly ensure each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged?

One possibility is a "full-service community school." In a recent article, an elementary school principal, a college professor, and the director of whole child partner the Coalition for Community Schools describe their 10-year partnership at a high-poverty school in New York. In 1999 only 19 percent of 4th graders at Edison passed the state English Language Arts assessment, and fewer than 23 percent of students had health insurance. Today all students receive health screenings, dental care, vaccinations, and prescriptions at a school-based health center and, through support to their families, 94 percent are insured. Teachers are supported through a professional development relationship with Manhattanville College and by a two-year mentoring program. Over 75 percent of families participate in schoolwide events, including large numbers of new immigrant families specifically supported through a weekly event called "La Segunda Taza de Cafe." In 2006, 93 percent of Edison 4th graders passed New York state assessments in English Language Arts, and 89 percent passed in mathematics.

» It is important to note that the school does not provide all of these services itself! It simply serves as a hub for community-based partners to provide needed services for families and students right on the school site. That's really what "locked in a conspiracy" means—schools and communities working together to support whole children, for their future and ours. Learn how ASCD is advocating for full-service schools through our 2008 Legislative Agenda.

Real Stories

"Education leaders are meeting regularly with community, religious, and business leaders to achieve specific goals: 1. Increase our own leadership skills; 2. Nurture our networking; 3. Plan collaboration; and 4. Promote the quality of life in our community."

—Bruce N., Fairview, MI

"The community outreach programs are adding more character, social, and life skills curriculums to their programs. Less tutoring and more real-life decision-making."

—Renae P., Naples, FL

Comment on Bruce's or Renae's story and read many more.

Expect More. Get More.

» Share your story to tell us what's working and what's not working in your community.

“Full Service Community Schools improve the coordination, delivery, effectiveness, and efficiency of services to children and families. They ensure the best use of resources and they help strengthen communities. Full Service Community Schools are a 21st-Century way of educating America's children.”

—Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-5th MD), sponsor of the Full-Service Community Schools Act
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