CAS Hosts 2011 Community Schools Fundamentals Conference
08/15/11
The Children's Aid Society's National Center for Community Schools is pleased to announce the Community Schools Fundamentals Conference, a two-day seminar designed specifically for those new or relatively new to community schools. The Fundamentals Conference will share The Children's Aid Society's lessons learned from almost 20 years of implementation in New York City and 17 years of nationwide capacity building. Read More >
Community Schools Land Cover Article in Christian Century
08/11/11
Christian Century, a progressive, ecumenical magazine based in Chicago, made community school their cover story in this month’s publication. “Reform That Works” highlights the efforts of several initiatives that are implementing social service and youth development into schools in order to improve student outcomes. Among those interviewed about the movement was Shital Shah, Manager of Policy & Partnerships at the Coalition. Read More >
YUMM Cart Rolls In
08/11/11
West Philadelphians, keep an eye out for young people bicycling around town with a bright blue cart - It’s full of fresh fruits & vegetables! This Youth Urban Mobile Market – the YUMM cart - is fully staffed by youth working with the Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative, a program headed by one of the Coalition’s oldest partners, The Netter Center for Community Partnerships. The project will kick off at the very first Youth Grower’s Market, an urban farmer’s market of produce grown by city youth. Read More >
Catalyst Chicago article DREAMS Big
08/10/11
Carlos Azcoita, a member of the Coalition’s Steering Committee, co-wrote an article with Ted Purinton for Catalyst Chicago on the importance of passing the DREAM Act, a federal bill which stalled in the Senate last year that would provide opportunities to successful and ambitious immigrant youth. The authors note that Illinois has taken measures to implement its own state version of the DREAM Act, but stress the importance of federal, nation-wide legislation. Read More >
Policy Implications of Debt Ceiling Deal
08/03/11
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PolicyLink Report Examines Impact of Fresh Food Access Gap
08/02/11
A new report by PolicyLink evaluates the disparity between communities of different income levels, in regards to access to fresh, healthy food. The report was released on the heels of First Lady Michelle Obama’s launch of the California Freshworks Fund, a public-private partnership that will provide $200 million in grant funding to create more grocery stores – and thus better access to fresh foods - in low-income communities across the state. Read More >
Summer Learning is a Big Deal
08/01/11
In a recent New York Times op-ed , Jeff Smink of the National Association for Summer Learning, a Coalition partner, discussed how summer learning loss plays a key role in the achievement gap. He argues the importance of year-round educational and enrichment opportunities for all students. Read More >
PRESS RELEASE: New House Bill Propels Community Schools Movement
07/27/11
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DIPLOMA Act Re-Introduced on the House Side
07/27/11
Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and David Loebsack (D-IA) have introduced the DIPLOMA Act into the House, earlier this year Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) introduced it in the Senate. The legislation authorizes grants to incentivize partnerships between schools and communities to ensure the success of our nation’s youth. At the Coalition, we are very pleased to see local community schools work recognized with this re-introduction! Read More >
Struggling Missouri Schools Find Answers In Their Backyard
07/25/11
The Kansas City Star recently published an article outlining the difficulties schools are facing in improving student outcomes through the marginally-successful reform efforts of the last decade. It states the goal of reform efforts: “You do everything you have to do for…one student and for all [struggling students]”. But it also asks, “How?” Across the nation, many communities utilizing the community school strategy to face similar challenges. Read More >