With over two decades of testing and accountability strategies as the heart of school improvement in Texas, we know one thing. Testing performance aligns very closely with the economic conditions in our neighborhoods. With a few exceptions, annual results remain stuck in many of our urban and rural schools, despite the best intentions of teachers, administrators and school districts.
One approach that has been successful nationally in moving the needle in struggling schools is “community schools.” A community school takes into account both the things that go on inside a school (teaching and learning, career preparation, enrichment, student supports) and outside of the school (family, community, safety, youth-serving activities) and designs strategies that overcome barriers, improve conditions and expand opportunities for students. Many community schools have a staff member or community member who coordinates partner services, from mentoring to after school programs to wraparound supports for families. The result is improved attendance, more parent involvement, teachers able to teach and in many cases, improved academics, graduation rates and enrollment.
Advocates have passed several pieces of legislation that open the door for community schools as a school improvement strategy in Texas, as opposed to punitive approaches, including school closure and takeover by third-parties. However, a true community school bill has passed the house but been blocked by the Lt. Governor from a vote in the senate during three legislative sessions. Senator Nathan Johnson has SB235 and SB558 that would finally offer the option of community schools for schools facing TEA accountability sanctions.
Read more about community schools, including its track record and success in Texas:
Strong Public Schools for All Texas Children
