Leveraging Resources through Community Schools: The Role of Technical Assistance. Policy Brief

Community schools are an evidence-based strategy to advance a "whole child" approach to education by offering integrated student supports (e.g., health care or housing assistance), expanded and enriched learning time, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership and practices. This brief examines how local government and nonprofit agencies in two California counties--Los Angeles and Alameda--have provided technical assistance to support community school initiatives. The community schools strategy is more relevant than ever during the time of COVID-19, as unemployment rates skyrocket and many parents, especially those from lower-income communities, report concerns that their children will fall behind academically as a result of school closures. Community schools--which are growing in popularity across California, with initiatives present or emerging in Los Angeles, Oakland, and many other districts--are especially well-positioned to meet the myriad needs of students and families during this crisis. By providing a well-coordinated and comprehensive set of supports, even in a distance learning environment, community schools can help respond to the digital divide and address essential supports such as food delivery and health care.