Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
O U R U N I O N 'S ongoing fight to support and grow the commu- nity schools movement is making a big difference: A new report from the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) finds that community schools in California in the past year have positively impacted students and families in multiple ways. In addition to marked improvement in chronic absenteeism and suspension rates, students have made major gains in academic achievement — particularly among historically underserved students. "Community Schools Impact on Student Outcomes: Evi- dence From California" shared encouraging results from LPI's research of the first cohort of California Community Schools Partnership Program (CC SPP) grantees with a full year of student outcome data. The evidence shows the state's invest- ment in community schools is already creating transformative change, even in a short time. "is report underscores what we already see happening at community schools across California: is is a model for public education that works," said CTA President David Goldberg at the press conference in September announcing the findings. "Our union has been proud to advocate for historic investment in this model that brings educators, parents, students, commu- nity organizations and administrators to the same table to make decisions about their school together. "At a time when public education is under attack at the federal level, in California we are investing in models that work and organizing together for the schools our students deserve." Our union has been deeply committed to helping grow and support California's community schools, a partnership with the state, school districts, students, families and communities, even before the CCSPP investment of $4.1 billion in 2021. CCSPP is the nation's largest community schools initiative, now serving more than 2,500 schools. Community schools' Our Union's Fight for Community Schools Landmark study shows improved student learning and well-being in just one year CTA President David Goldberg speaks at the press conference announcing results of the community schools report by the Learning Policy Institute. Parents, educators, San Diego Education Assn. President Kyle Weinberg (in red T-shirt) and CTA Board Member Kisha Borden (to Goldberg's right) also participated in the event, which was held at Encanto Elementary School in San Diego. 35 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 Feature