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. Through these sessions, participants explore how this transformative approach enhances the lived experiences of students, educators, and families by fostering equity-driven, community-centered solutions.
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. Participants examined the role of data in driving meaningful change and explored strategies for aligning their Needs and Assets Assessment (NAA) findings with broader school-wide goals. Discussions centered on differentiating between leading and lagging indicators, helping school leaders determine how to measure short-term progress while maintaining a long-term vision for impact. The session also explored effective data collection methods and the importance of creating structured processes to ensure that data is not only gathered but also used to inform decision-making and systems change.
A key aspect of the session involved continuous improvement cycles, emphasizing the need for schools to move beyond compliance-driven data collection and instead leverage data for action and transformation. Participants engaged in discussions on how to build problem-solving teams, conduct root cause analyses, and implement Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to address identified challenges. The session also highlighted how schools can integrate these practices into existing structures, such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), ensuring that data-driven decision-making is embedded within school-wide efforts.
The session provided practical insights into how schools can make data more accessible and actionable, empowering educators and community school coordinators to drive sustainable improvements. Participants examined ways to assess the alignment between collected data and their school's identified priorities, recognizing that a well-structured approach to data use is essential for ensuring long-term success in community schools.
For those who have not yet joined, this series remains an invaluable opportunity for new community school leaders to gain foundational knowledge and practical tools to advance their implementation efforts. The SC RTAC team remains committed to providing high-quality professional learning that supports the development of strong, equity-driven community schools across the region.
The next session in the series is scheduled for April 16, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. in a virtual format. Those interested in participating must register in advance to secure a spot; registration is still open. To learn more or register for the upcoming session, please visit SC RTAC Registration.