National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) (2024)

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The role of community in schools consists of the connections between schools and individuals, businesses, and formal and informal organizations and institutions that can leverage community resources and assist students in achieving positive outcomes.

The notion that community has an important role in the education of America’s children is long-standing and is a central theme of education reform. Community members partnering on the ground (e.g., neighbors along route to school) can ensure safety and provide support to staff, students, and family members. Community agencies partnering between systems (e.g., child welfare, law enforcement, libraries) offer protective factors that can contribute to student resilience as well as help efficiently and effectively address issues when they arise. Schools that are well connected to the local community can create a safe and supportive environment inside and outside of the classroom.

Schools can benefit from additional resources to educate students and these resources, whether material or human capital, can be provided by members of a student’s community.

Society has placed mounting responsibilities on schools as they strive to educate a student population that is becoming increasingly diverse and often described as increasingly at risk. Many schools and school systems are struggling to carry out their basic educational mission because they are overwhelmed by the social and emotional needs of children who are growing up in poverty and unsafe environments. Opportunities to partner with community stakeholders (e.g., community service providers) can help schools meet student needs the school may not be able to address alone. This includes necessary school supplies for students and staff provided by local organizations as well as resources like event-programming, food, and activities for the school and neighboring community.

Involvement of community members in schools can improve the overall quality of education that students receive.

The traditional isolated manner in which many schools have functioned is ineffective in a time of changing family demographics, demanding workplace dynamics, and growing student diversity. Thus, it is important for schools to be open to the involvement of the wider local community. The support from community agencies/groups allow parental guardians to better meet the needs of and support their children, thereby helping set the proper conditions for learning and improving school climate for all. Services like tutoring, after-school activities, and daily volunteers can be led by community members and organizations to further support the needs of families within the greater school community.

Community involvement is one way to help schools prepare students for future success.

Communities in the 21st century operate in an increasingly dynamic environment that require innovation and adaptability. Students need advanced language, technical, and interpersonal skills in order to succeed in the current array of opportunities and those that will become available in the future. School–community partnerships, specifically those that involve relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and other personnel, are uniquely equipped to assist schools with the preparation of students as they mature into adulthood. Community organizations can provide students with opportunities and resources that illustrate how students can be involved in their community, while supporting their post-secondary goals and other paths they may consider pursuing.

References

Berg, A. C., Melaville, A., & Blank, M. J. (2006). Community and family engagement: Principals share what works. Washington, DC: Coalition for Community Schools. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED494521.pdf

Adelman, H., & Taylor, L.(2007). Fostering school, family, and community involvement. Washington, DC: Hamilton Fish Institute on School and Community Violence; Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

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