California’s community schools initiative yields positive results, study shows

(FOX40.COM) — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond celebrated the results of a study from the Learning Policy Institute on Tuesday that showed the positive impact of the state’s community school initiative.

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“With this new research, we now have data to support what we know to be true: When our children have the supports that they need to be present and healthy at school, they can learn, grow, and thrive,” Thurmond said.

According to the Superintendent, schools funded by the California Community Schools Partnership program encourage partnerships between public schools and community organizations to provide resources that engage families and serve their students.

LPI’s study “Community Schools Impact on Student Outcomes: Evidence From California” revealed CCSPP-funded community schools improved attendance rates, reduced suspension and enhanced academic achievement at higher rates.

Thurmond’s Transforming Schools Initiative implements a set of actions to encourage student investment in public schools, officials said. Since the program launched in 2021, the Superintendent stated that the CCSP program has received a $4.1 billion investment, which has played a key role in making California the home of the largest community schools initiative in the nation.

“The community schools strategy is about creating partnerships across schools, families, and the community so that every child in our state has a village of support,” Thurmond said.