California Community School Partnership Program (CCSPP) Overview

The primary goal of the California Community School Partnership Program (CCSPP) is to foster the expansion and advancement of Community Schools across California. These educational institutions embrace a comprehensive approach that considers the well-being of students, families, and the entire community. Through acknowledging and leveraging the inherent strengths within local communities, encouraging increased participation in schools, and offering crucial resources, these schools transform into dynamic focal points within their neighborhoods, committed to supporting the flourishing of students, families, and communities. 

What is a Community School? 

A community school is a public school that serves Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade and has community partnerships that support improved academic outcomes, whole-child engagement, and family development. Community school partnership strategies include integrated supports services, extended learning time, and collaborative leadership and practices for educators and administrators. California Department of Education. 2023

RESOURCES:

• Lancaster Community Schools Infographics: English/Spanish
• Five Capacity-Building Strategies
• Overarching Values - Identifying Overarching Values - English/Spanish

What are the pillars that uphold Community Schools? 

FOUR PILLARS OF COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Pillar 1: Integrated Student Supports: Addresses out-of-school barriers by coordinating trauma-informed health, mental health, and social services.

Pillar 2: Expanded and Enriched Learning Times and Opportunities: Provides academic support, enrichment, and real-world learning opportunities (e.g., project-based learning).

Pillar 3: Active Family and Community Engagement: Involves actively tapping the expertise and knowledge of family and community members to serve as true partners in supporting and educating students. 

Pillar 4: Collaborative Decision-Making: Educational partners establish a culture of professional learning, collective trust, and shared responsibility for outcomes in a manner that includes students, families, and community members. 

Resource: Community Schools 101

FOUR PROVEN PRACTICES FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION

• Community needs and assets assessments that engage school and community interest holders in a coherent process of identifying and curating assets and wisdoms throughout the community.
• A community School Coordinator who is responsible for the overall implementation of community school processes, programs, partnerships, and strategies at the school site.
• Site-based and district-wide community schools shared decision-making bodies that engage educational partners including students, staff, families, and community members in determining the focus and direction of the community school effort. 
• Integration and alignment where the community schools initiative is cross-stitched with other racial justice, education justice, and equity initiatives at the district and school site level. cpisandiego.org/community-schools