Preparation to Become a Community School: A Readiness Toolkit
The Readiness Toolkit outlines clear, concrete actions public schools and public charter schools can take to prepare for whole school
Strategic Planning
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Chicago Public Schools Community Schools Initiative: Case Study of Coordinating Integrated Student Supports and Expanded Learning Opportunities
Practice guide that provides research-based strategies for implementing collaborative leadership within community schools, grounded in real-world experiences from community school
Essentials for Community School Implementation Plan
Tool supporting Community School Leadership Teams (CSLT)—often called advisories—in transforming asset and needs assessments into a focused plan that guides
Community School Master Planning Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet helping community school coordinators inform planning conversations with school leadership teams and community-based organizations.
State Strategies for Investing in Community Schools
Report describing community school initiatives in eight states, highlighting three approaches to state support: ongoing funding through school funding formulas,
Developing a Healthy School Climate in Community Schools
Case study exploring strategies for developing a healthy school climate and culture in community schools.
Community Schools Practice Guide Series – Guide 3: Coordination of Integrated Student Supports and Expanded Learning
Practice guide providing research-based strategies for implementing strong partnerships in community schools, grounded in practitioner experience and evidence.
NYC Office of Community Schools I Collaborative Planning Meeting Template
Sample agendas from Unison Community School for budget and vision-setting meetings.
New York City Community Schools’ Collaborative Planning Suite
Suite of materials designed to support community school collaborative planning meetings.It includes: *An overview to learn about and/or introduce the
Financing Community Schools: A Framework for Growth and Sustainability
Framework offering essential guidelines and considerations designed to assist community school leaders in crafting and executing financing plans tailored for
Reducing Chronic Absenteeism: Lessons From Community Schools
Report examining how four California community schools significantly reduced their chronic absenteeism rates in the period after the Covid-19 pandemic.
District Supports for Community Schools: How Systems Can Enable High-Quality Implementation
Research brief profiling key components of supportive community school infrastructure
Power Ladder User Guide
Guide to mobilize the capacity of communities. Power ladders can :• Create clarity around the current role of residents and
Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning: A Handbook for Program Staff, Teachers, and Community Leaders
Handbook designed for school, program, and community leaders to support authentic youth participation, promote effective policies and practices to strengthen
Community-Connected Redesign at Freemont High School
Case study of Fremont high school redesign from a campus with severe underenrollment to a vibrant community school where students
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The National Center for Community Schools helps principals turn the community schools strategy into action with clear guidance, practical tools, and trusted expertise. Ready to move your work forward? Let’s connect.
