News

In response to feedback we received from grantees, SDCOE Community Schools Network Meetings are being hosted at community schools throughout our county. On Jan. 16, the SDCOE Community Schools Team collaborated with Vista High School in North County San Diego to host January’s Network Meeting.

On Feb. 6, 2025, La Mesa-Spring Valley presented at the SC-RTAC Community School’s webinar, which focused on student engagement, student voice, and leadership. In addition, student leaders and seniors from San Diego High School introduced the Relationship Window and Student Voice Continuum to community school professionals. This session prompted deep discussions about improving opportunities for student voice and agency at school sites.

The Southern Coast Regional Technical Assistance Center (SC RTAC) Level 1 series continues to provide new community school leaders with a comprehensive introduction to the community schools strategy. This series is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) deliverables, along with the foundational strategies and practices necessary to develop a thriving community school. In the most recent session held in January, the focus was on data and continuous improvement, a fundamental component in the implementation of the community schools model.

The SC R-TAC kicked off the new year with the first session of the Community Based Organization (CBO) Collaborative, which highlighted CBOs throughout our region who are collaborating with community schools to collectively support students and families in their communities. A key component of a community school according to the Community Schools Framework is the ability to establish "strong and intentional community partnerships to ensure pupil learning and whole child and family development." (CA CS Framework, p. 2).

The Southern Coast RTAC recently hosted an engaging third session of the Community Schools Level 1 series, focusing on the why, what, and how of Needs and Asset Assessments (NAA). Participants explored the critical role of NAAs in building a shared vision for schools and communities.

In November, the Southern Coast Regional Technical Assistance Center (SC R-TAC) hosted a virtual webinar focusing on the why, what, and how to use community schools data. According to the CA Community Schools Framework, “data is a tool for improvement that students, staff, families, and community members can access, an instrument for reflection and instead of an instrument of accountability – a flashlight not a hammer.”