Better Learning Through Partnerships Series

A national focus on student achievement and educational excellence is pushing educators and innovators to develop new and better approaches to helping students learn. Community resources, time, and teacher development are just a few of the assets education leaders are leveraging in support of all kids reaching higher standards.

Learning is central to the community school strategy. Strengthening learning through partnerships that mobilize all the assets of communities is the key to ensuring all children are ready for college, career, and citizenship.

A Framework for More and Better Learning through Community Schools Partnerships

Click here to download.

We are pleased to share a learning framework for community schools that demonstrates how these schools systemically promote better learning through results-focused community partnerships.

The framework begins with a discussion about community school learning principles and offers information about the conditions that are essential for better learning. Next, it articulates a specific learning framework for community schools that relies on results-based school and community partnerships to create health, social supports, and services; expanded learning opportunities; and meaningful family and community engagement. You may share your feedback on the framework by emailing Reuben Jacobson.

In addition to our framework paper, we have highlighted a few places that exemplify the ways in which community schools support better learning. Read more below:

Holyoke Community Schools: Strong Partners for Success in Early Literacy

Young Achievers Community School: Community-Based Learning through Community Partnerships

Meriden Public Schools: Redesigning the School Day

Higher Learning at University-Assisted Community Schools

Download "A Framework for More and Better Learning" here.

For addtional resources on expanded learning opportunites and community schools, click here.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Ford Foundation.