Want to unite your community and transform your schools into places where all students can achieve their dreams? Follow these five steps to bring a community school to your district to improve learning and build healthier communities in harmony.
These steps are also available in a printable PDF format here.
Kickstart Community Schools in Five Steps
-
Build Chapter Leader Support - Local leaders understand the importance and benefits of Community Schools. Ex: Executive Board and/or Rep Council resolutions.
-
Build Member Support - Members understand the importance and benefits of Community Schools. Ex: Rep Council Resolution, Site-visits
-
Build Community Support - Families and the community understand the importance and benefits of Community Schools. Ex: Community Town Halls, Home Visits
-
Build an Agreement for Collaborative Planning - District commits to an open, inclusive planning process. Ex: District signs MOU agreeing to engage with interest-holders in planning meetings.
-
Build Structures for Shared Decision-Making - District commits to permanent, ongoing, and inclusive shared decision-making governance structures. Ex: Permanent contract language describing the Community School steering committee.
Apply to be part of the Community Schools Implementation Institute!
The NEA Implementation Institute for Community Schools (Implementation Institute) is a network of community schools committed to a transformational community-driven process. The institute supports participants through monthly PLC meetings, customized trainings, coaching for local district and site teams, and access to a step-by-step guide to developing community schools.
To begin connecting with the Implementation Institute, please tell us a little bit more about your Community School goals, efforts, and aspirations, so that we can determine how best to support you and your team!
Note: If your district/site has already been participating in the NEA CS Implementation Institute, and you just need to add new individuals from district/site teams, please use this form instead.
More Resources to Help You Get Started
![illustration of a schoolhouse surrounded by paths connecting to a career center, health clinic, and other building with lots of people walking between the buildings](https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/styles/640wide/public/2023-07/cta-community-schools-cover.png?itok=7XTevSLN)
CTA Community Schools 5-Step Toolkit
![illustration of academic icons like a microscope, book, graduation mortarboard and more, all connected by lines](https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/styles/640wide/public/2023-07/community-schools-illo.png?itok=t066iMG1)
Strengthening Public Schools for Student Success: School Board Policies and Resolutions
![Teacher with young students](https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/styles/640wide/public/2020-07/2020-ESSA-special-banner.jpg?itok=gkuZ5KY6)