This report, by Rachel E. Durham and Faith Connolly, examined the characteristics of students Community Schools serve, parent engagement, school climate, and student attendance outcomes, as compared to non-Community Schools. In addition, the report examines attendance and PARCC outcomes among students participating in the Community Schools’ Out-of-School-Time Programs (OST).
Key Findings from the report include:
- Parents generally reported feeling more “connected” to Community Schools than those in non-Community Schools.
- Students in grades 6, 9, and 10 were less likely to transfer out of their school between 2012-13 and 2014-15, relative to students in the same grades in non-Community Schools
- Community Schools operating for 5 years or more had fewer chronically absent students.
- Students in Pre-K through 5th grade were 41% less likely to be chronically absent
- Students 6th through 8th grade were 48% less likely to be chronically absent
- Participation in Community School OST programs contribute to lower chronic absenteeism.
- OST students in Pre-K through 5th grade were 32% less likely to be chronically absent
- OST students in 6th through 8th grade were 77% less likely to be chronically absent
Read the full report here.