Ensuring Healthy Youth Development through Community Schools: A Case Study

Using mixed methods, this case study explored outcomes associated with the adoption and implementation of a community schools approach in four Title I schools using the Community Collaboration Model for School Improvement. Trends in school data demonstrate academic achievement improvements in three of the four schools. Absenteeism and the number of office discipline referrals dropped from pre- to two years postimplementation. Teacher and staff perceptions of school climate and the learning support system were more favorable two years postimplementation. Interview and focus group data involving 10 stakeholders highlight facilitators and barriers, and demonstrate contextual factors supporting or hindering implementation efforts. Findings showcase the promise of community schools and other partnership approaches for ensuring healthy youth development and learning, especially for students in high-impact schools.