Definition
Community partnerships allow students and families to extend their learning beyond the classroom and to access needed services and resources to support students’ academic and developmental progress. Effective community partnerships reflect the needs of the student body and strengthen school programs, families, and student learning through meaningful connection and collaboration. Community partnerships can exist among community health, mental health, social service, and youth organizations, as well as school partners to build peer networks, link families and students with needed services, and support successful transitions for children and their families.
What does it look like in practice?
a. Schools identify and integrate resources and services from the community to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning and development.
b. Schools connect students and families to community resources that strengthen and support students’ learning and well-being.
c. Families, teachers, administrators, and other school staff use school and community supports and resources to promote students’ progress.
d. Educators have knowledge of the community they serve, including the community’s needs.
e. Community partnerships exist among community health, mental health, social service, and youth organizations, as well as school partners to build peer networks, link families and students with needed services, and support successful transitions for children and their families.