Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1518807
and incorporate the cultures and peoples in the communities at individual school sites. The goal is to give participating teams the fundamental tools to build strong, shared leadership and governance; connect and forge alliances with families and community partners; recruit and train essential staff; and develop cur- riculum that is both academically robust and responsive to students' needs inside and outside the classroom. The result is racially and socially just community schools that support student success and well-being, where students, fami- lies, educators and community partners are engaged and invested in their schools and in their communities. The NCSLL is also an effort to show chapters and districts that they can use their own resources — as well as resources from NEA and CTA — to build thriving community schools. Some districts have outsourced community schools man- agement to outside agencies, which dilutes the power and efficacy of a steering committee. "We've seen a lot of success in Anaheim. We do have a supportive district — true shared leadership," said Christie Bettendorf, the Learning Lab coordinator and ASTA member. "We want to steer locals and districts away from outsourcing to give support and structure through the CSSC, which is a more interior and organic leadership model." Bettendorf and NCSLL leaders understand that for many locals, shared leadership may not yet be in place, or district buy-in may not be at an optimal level. For example, educa- tors and chapters may be on board with community schools but districts are not, or a district may be using state funds earmarked for community schools on other Steering committee meetings, such as this one in Anaheim, bring together all stakeholders; everyone has an equal voice. CTA and Community Schools CTA is deeply committed to growing and supporting community schools. Community schools' democratic model of shared decision-making ensures all students' needs are addressed so they can thrive and helps build power with community that leads to a more equita- ble society. Community schools have been shown to improve student outcomes, including in attendance, academic achievement, high school graduation rates, and reduced racial and economic achievement gaps. California has made a historic $4.1 billion investment in community schools and CTA, in partnership with the state, school districts, students, families and communities, is work- ing to help create new community schools and transition traditional schools. Read more of our coverage of CTA and members' work, and find information and resources, at cta.org/communityschools. C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S Learning Lab Coordinator and high school teacher Christie Bettendorf. A lesson in the community garden at Anaheim's Magnolia High School. Starting this fall, the Learning Lab will help teams across the state and country launch inclusive, functional steering committees. 29 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 24