Notebook

Surrounded by Support
Educators know that many nonschool factors—like untreated asthma, undiagnosed vision problems, and unrelenting poverty—hinder students' academic success. But instead of tossing up their hands in frustration, educators all over the country are reaching out to community groups that can help solve these problems. They are partnering with health clinics, social service agencies, food banks, higher education institutions, businesses, and others. Schools engaged in this work go by several names—e.g., community schools, full-service schools, and community learning centers. They share a commitment to ensuring that all children are surrounded by support.

This special issue brings together researchers, historians, educators, and service providers to describe the need for, and effective development of, school-community partnerships. One key to success? Having a community partner responsible for all the nonacademic services; well-developed partnerships wrap services around the school, so teachers are free to teach and students are ready to learn. (The following articles are available in PDF format only. To view the entire issue, please click here).

Supporting Teaching and Learning

Equalizing Opportunity
Dramatic Differences in Children's Home Life and Health Mean That Schools Can't Do It Alone
By Richard Rothstein

These Kids Are Alright
How Two Organizations Meet the Needs of Two Students and Their Schools
By Jennifer Dubin

Freeing Teachers to Teach
Students in Full-Service Community Schools Are Ready to Learn
By Jane Quinn and Joy Dryfoos

The Enduring Appeal of Community Schools
Education Has Always Been a Community Endeavor
By Lee Benson, Ira Harkavy, Michael Johanek, and John Puckett

A Coordinated Effort
Well-Conducted Partnerships Meet Students' Academic, Health, and Social Service Needs
By Marty Blank, Reuben Jacobson, and Sarah S. Pearson

From the Ground Up
Cincinnati Is Rebuilding Its Schools and Revamping Its Student, and Family, Services
Q&A on Cincinnati's Community Learning Centers