Community Schools for a Brighter Vancouver

Across the country, in city after city, research shows that the community school strategy can be a core element in transforming schools. Students in community schools are more likely to perform better, stay in school, stay out of trouble and generally thrive.

The following resources highlight Vancouver Public Schools approach to Community Schools:

Articles:

As need soars, schools rally behind families in Vancouver, Wash. — and other cities take notice (Seattle Times 7/13/18)

This Washington school district aims to close its learning gaps early — and at night (Seattle Times 5/29/18)

Districts embrace the community to benefit all students (Phi Delta Kappan 2/1/18)

Mr. Fechter’s Family (The Columbian 11/12/17)

Warm Coat, Full Tummy, Better Learning (Idaho Statesman 8/18/16)

Community Schools Blunt the Impacts of Poverty in Vancouver, Wash. (Education Week Leaders To Learn From 2/24/16)

Family Resource Centers help kids in need (The Columbian 10/21/15)

Case Study:

The Broader Bolder Approach – Family-Community Resource Centers – Vancouver Public School District’s approach to community schools

Video: Blunting the Impact of Poverty With Community Schools – Meet Steve Webb & Tom Hagley, 2016 LTLF (Education Week 2/24/16)

Website: VPS Family-Community Resource Centers

The National Model

The Coalition for Community Schools is an alliance of national, state and local organizations in education K-16, youth development, community planning and development, family support, health and human services, government and philanthropy as well as national, state and local community school networks.

Community schools are both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. There are a number of national models and local community school initiatives that share a common set of principles: fostering strong partnerships, sharing accountability for results, setting high expectations, building on the community’s strengths, and embracing diversity and innovative solutions. Learn more at communityschools.org.