CA’s Education “Blueprint” Recommends Community Schools

09/19/11

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson released A Blueprint for Great Schools which includes community schools and summer learning as top priorities, Education Supports section. According to the report "Full-service community schools are one tested approach to addressing the achievement gap. Key elements of such schools include attention to the whole child, provision of wraparound services through strong collaborations among community partners, a systems approach, and a healthy environment."

Jennifer Peck, executive director of Partnership for Children and Youth (CA) and a member of the Governor’s transition team is pleased that the "Blueprint" lifts up "the notion of addressing the needs of the whole child, especially with respect to community schools." The report encourages California schools to implement the community school strategy. It stresses that community schools have support services at the school site, such as after school programs, health clinics, social service counselors, and adult education that emphasize schools as neighborhood hubs, helping ensure that students are ready to graduate high school ready for college, career, and citizenship.

Several school districts in California have demonstrated success through the community school strategy – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Redwood City, among others.

Click here to download and read the full report.