By Zach Vander Veen Part Three: Data is crucial In standards for Community Schools established by the Institute for Educational Leadership, data systems and protocols are in place to assure access to relevant individual and aggregate information and to assure transparency of decision-making. This means: School uses a data system, and all staff and partners are ...

By Zach Vander Veen Part Two: The Nuts and Bolts By definition, the power of Community Schools resides in the local community. It is the identification, structuring and connection of the many assets within the community, and goes far beyond academics to include the total needs of child, family, school faculty and staff, and the ...

By Zach Vander Veen Part One: The Idea I heard this said in a meeting, by a very smart colleague, “Now, every school can be a Community School.” I had never thought of that before, much less spoken it aloud in a crowded room. I suppose, technically, any school could be a Community School. But ...

By James Stoffer and Zach Vander Veen Editor’s Note: This is the fifth and final installment of this series. For previous installments, see one, two, three and four Community Schools are a time whose idea has come, a solution that was waiting for the perfect storm – and the perfect storm is here. In part one of this article series, ...

By James Stoffer and Zach Vander Veen Children do not exist in a vacuum. Community schooling encourages student wellbeing, teacher health and wellbeing, all in place to allow academic achievement and opportunity for students, their families and their communities. Editor’s note: This is part four in a five-part series. To see previous installments, click on one, two or three. ...

By James Stoffer and Zach Vander Veen Editor’s Note: This is part three of a five-part series. (Click to read part one and part two)   This may be the first time in history that the technology exists to make true community schooling a reality. Here’s what you need to know. In part one of this article series, ...

By James Stoffer and Zach Vander Veen   Editor’s Note: This is part two of a five-part series (click here to first read part one) Seamlessly connecting the combined strength of community assets is a powerful way to ignite the learning process for students, educators, parents and community leaders. A rising tide floats all boats, ...

Editor’s Note: This is part one of a five-part series By James Stoffer and Zach Vander Veen In the time of COVID and protracted learning loss, community schools may be the best way to transform education to meet the needs of the mid-21st century and beyond. Perhaps you live in one of the states that ...