COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
BECAUSE CALIFORNIA STUDENTS ARE THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO
As we look towards the future of California's public schools, it's time to embrace a new approach: community schools. Forget charter schools and private schools, it's time to focus on public funding for public schools that prioritize the needs of the whole child and the community as a whole.
The California Teachers Association (CTA) is leading the charge in this effort, advocating for community schools as the best way to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. And let's face it, who wouldn't want that?
So what exactly is a community school? It's a school that partners with its community to provide a comprehensive set of supports for students, families, and the community as a whole. This includes academic enrichment, health and wellness services, social and emotional supports, and after-school programs. Basically, everything a student needs to thrive both in school and in life.
But don't just take our word for it. Research has shown that community schools improve student achievement, particularly for those from low-income families. They also increase student engagement by providing a variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities, and help to reduce dropout rates by providing students with the support they need to succeed in school.
But it's not just about the students. Community schools also help to strengthen families and communities by providing a variety of resources and services. And who doesn't want stronger families and communities?
So how can we make community schools a reality? CTA is advocating for increased funding for community schools, providing training and technical assistance to schools and communities interested in becoming community schools, partnering with community organizations to provide services to students and families, and raising awareness about the benefits of community schools.
It's time to reimagine California public schools and prioritize the needs of our students and communities. Let's work together to build a brighter future for all California students. As CTA believes, community schools are the key to that better future.
CTA and NEA are strong supporters of community schools, which are partnerships between schools and community resources that focus on academics, health, social services, leadership, and community engagement. This model has been proven to improve student learning, strengthen families, and promote healthier communities.
David Goldberg, the Vice President of CTA, has made it clear that supporting the community school movement is a top priority for the organization. CTA and NEA are also advocating for more funding from both state and federal governments to support the Community Schools Model.
Community schools have been shown to foster lower rates of absenteeism, improved work habits, better grades and test scores, and higher graduation rates. Examples of community schools include the 93rd Street STEAM Academy in Los Angeles, Prescott School in Oakland, San Francisco Community School, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Middle School.
The six pillars of community schools are adaptable to the unique needs of each individual school's students, staff, and families. By partnering with local resources and engaging with the community, community schools are able to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for success both inside and outside of the classroom.
Community Schools - California Teachers Association https://www.cta.org/our-advocacy/issues/community-schools#:~:text=CTA%20Supports%20Community%20Schools%20Because,Center%20of%20Everything%20We%20Do&text=A%20community%20school%20is%20both,%2C%20leadership%2C%20and%20community%20engagement.
