The paper explores ways in which principals of community schools—and other principals who, though they may not yet identify their schools as community schools, are responding in a very similar manner—work successfully with community partners, families, and other key stakeholders to improve student outcomes.

By reflecting on the topic from the perspective of principals, the text offers insights about why they engage community, why doing so is hard, and what strategies and approaches they find most effective. We know this information will be valuable to principals who devote their energy and passion to the education of children. It also will inform the work of school systems, which must support their principals in this work, and of those involved in developing the next generation of principals.

The Coalition for Community Schools’s mission is to mobilize the assets of schools, families, and communities to create a united movement for community schools. Community schools strengthen schools, families, and communities to improve student learning.

More information available at the web-site of the Coalition for Community Schools.