Arguing that current federal reform models are failing struggling rural schools, a new report makes the case for a new “community schools” turnaround option.
Pioneered in some high-poverty, low-performing urban areas, community schools aim to raise student performance by strengthening families and communities through a range of services.
The report released last month by the Washington-based Center for American Progress recommends ways to apply the same model to rural settings.
Among its recommendations, the report calls for: developing community-educator certification programs; removing barriers to community and educator engagement in schools; incorporating multiple community needs in planning for new schools; reducing the financial risk for partners involved in new school construction projects; and directing more state and federal investment into community schools.
