Some supporters of Mayor de Blasio’s vision for creating new “community schools” expressed doubts about the program, which will include more extra instructional time and after-school programs for students.
Hayward school officials, police, businesses, and churches are taking a gentle approach to reducing high truancy rates among students. The program is part of a campaign to engage the community in supporting its students as the district develops its community schools model.
Following the so-called community schools model, the city will bring physical and mental health practitioners, guidance counselors, adult literacy teachers, and a host of other service providers into these schools. They will also add an extra hour of tutoring to the school day and receive money for new after-school seats, summer programs, and more teacher training.
Expanding “community schools” in New York City will require changing the way that children’s services are delivered, according to new recommendations. A core feature of community schools, which Mayor Bill de Blasio has pledged to grow, is adding support and services after the regular school day.
The concept of community schools is starting to gain ground across the country. Districts thinking of embracing this “whole child” approach to education might want to look to a nationally recognized model: Cincinnati, where every school aims to provide health, after-school, and counseling services.