The Preparatory Site Based Leadership Team (or contracted non-profit or individual) conducts a school and community wide asset assessment. This asset assessment maps and identifies community supports, services and needs with both qualitative and quantitative data. For example, opportunities for partnerships with nonprofit organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, healthcare institutions, businesses, advocacy organizations, and other community entities. A campus and community asset map and partnership inventory are created by the Preparatory SBLT as part of the asset mapping process.1 Specific details in the asset assessment includes: (a) access to current integrated systems of supports; (b) access to current expanded, culturally enriched learning opportunities; (c) access to current powerful student and family engagement; (d) existing collaborative leadership, shared power and voice; (e) supplemental (bonus points) information about current rigorous community-connected classroom instruction and culture of belonging, safety and care.
A school and community wide needs assessment report is created by the Preparatory SBLT (or contracted person/entity) that includes qualitative and quantitative data. Current and historical student, school, and community level data are gathered and include the community school climate/culture, student academic achievement, attendance, behavior, family engagement and, for high schools, graduation rates and readiness for college or a career.6 The report includes the methods of data collection, strengths and limitations of the data gathering, and key participants. It also includes key findings and recommendations.2 Specific details in the needs assessment includes: (a) need for integrated systems of supports; (b) need for expanded, culturally enriched learning opportunities; (c) need for powerful student and family engagement; (e) supplemental (bonus points) for needs about rigorous community-connected classroom instruction and culture of belonging, safety and care.
- “Community Schools Playbook.” Community Schools Playbook, 2022
- Adapted from materials developed from ABC Community School Partnership