Wisconsin schools that are focused on school improvement and equity struggle to find a comprehensive school model to support students, families, and communities. The Community Schools model is an evidence-based strategy that centers equity and shared decision-making, and enhances educational opportunities for students. Currently, there is a limited number of community schools in Wisconsin and many of those are still new to the model and working on effective implementation. The support provided by R10CC can help increase the number of schools using this model and help support effective implementation via multiple strategies.
R10CC provided capacity building services to the WI Coalition of Community Schools and participating school districts. This capacity-building included (1) distribution of a WI Community Schools Guide, (2) community of practice support, (3) organizing a regional webinar on how to start and support community schools, and (4) partnership with DPI/WSPEI to present on community schools as a parent-engagement and equity strategy. In addition, R10CC provided support to help the coalition continue their community of practice and work towards sustainability of partnerships.
Project lead and team: Dr. Oriana Eversole (project lead), eversole@wisc.edu; Dr. Carmen Bartley (project team member) cbartley2@wisc.edu
Project Partners:
- Wisconsin Coalition for Community Schools (WI CCS)
- Institute for Educational Leadership’s Coalition for Community Schools (IEL/CCS)
- National Education Association (NEA)
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
Contacts
Project Resources
Community Schools in Wisconsin Guidebook: A Resource for Starting and Improving Community Schools