Students are bored. Research shows that as many as 60% of all students are disengaged from learning. Another new study funded by the Gates Foundation, highlights disengagement as a key factor in the dropout rate. A new Coalition report makes the case that community-based learning addresses the problems of boredom and disengagement.

Community-based learning involves students in real-world problem solving that is relevant and meaningful as part of the curriculum during and after school. This approach brings together a collection of teaching and learning strategies, including service learning, place-based education, environment-based education, civic education, work-based learning and academically-based community service.

This study was supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

The Coalition for Community Schools (CCS) works to improve education and help students learn and grow while supporting and strengthening their families and communities. Community schools bring together many partners to offer a range of supports and opportunities to children, youth, families and communities -- before, during and after school, seven days a week. CCS' mission is to mobilize the resources and capacity of multiple sectors and institutions to create a united movement for community schools by:

• sharing information about successful community school policies, programs and practices;
• building broader public understanding and support for community schools;
• informing public- and private-sector policies to strengthen community schools; and
• developing sustainable sources of funding for community schools.

For more information about CCS, visit http://www.communityschools.org/.