Family And Community Engagement (FACE): Understanding & Evaluating The Four Pillars of Community Schools

Community Schools provide each and every student with the resources, opportunities, and support that make academic success possible and that create strong ties among families, students, schools, and community.

The Partnership for the Future of Learning


ACTIVITY

Review the Four Pillars of Community Schools and then watch the brief video about how the Anaheim Union School District is implementing the community schools model to ensure all of their students are truly thriving.

Evaluate your own school’s approaches to supporting students in and out of the school building and connecting the school and its community by evaluating each of the Four Pillars. Consider what adopting a community school model might look like for you and your school community.

WHAT ARE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS?

Community schools are public schools that partner with families and community organizations to provide well-rounded educational opportunities and supports for students’ school success. Like every good school, community schools must be built on a foundation of powerful teaching that includes challenging academic content and supports students’ mastery of 21st century skills and competencies. What makes community schools unique is the combination of four key pillars (or features) that together create the conditions necessary for students to thrive. The pillars are: 1) integrated student supports; 2) expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities; 3) active family and community engagement; and 4) collaborative leadership and practices.

THE 4 PILLARS OF COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

PILLAR 1

PILLAR 2

PILLAR 3

PILLAR 4

THE FOUR PILLARS OF COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AT AUHSD


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