Overview
The California School Boards Association’s vision statement foresees a state where the futures of all children are driven by their aspirations, not bounded by their circumstances. Unfortunately, too many children currently face physical, psychological and social conditions, which impact their ability to succeed. Local school districts and county offices face a difficult task as they try to ensure the health and well-being of students, while at the same time attempting to meet challenging student achievement and fiscal accountability requirements. CSBA recognizes the unique challenges that districts face as they attempt to provide resources and services to students and their families outside of the classroom. Districts can find tools and information on focus areas that can positively impact student learning and achievement through addressing the conditions of children.
CSBA Areas of Focus
Afterschool
Before and afterschool programs in California have grown due in part to the increased focus on academic outcomes and concerns over student safety. Evaluations of California afterschool programs have found positive impacts on student achievement, attendance, behavior and reductions in grade retention. Many districts have invested in these programs to support and refine the learning that occurs during a student’s regular school day and to help ensure the safety of children and youth afterschool.
Community Schools
A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Schools alone cannot address all of the challenges of closing the achievement gap and educating all students at high levels. A comprehensive, communitywide approach to meeting the needs of the whole child could potentially make a significant impact on students’ educational outcomes and help close the achievement gap among student populations.
California Community Schools Online Forum – join an online discussion about community schools in California.
Foster Youth
California has the largest number of youth in foster care of any state in the nation. That means that approximately five percent of the state’s youth have some contact with the system each year. Youth who are exposed to abuse, neglect and instability in their home life have a greater risk for physical and mental health problems, academic failure and incarceration. In addition, many youth in foster care have historically experienced frequent school changes. The California Department of Education has reported that youth in foster care lose six months of academic achievement with each school move. Boards can help ensure that foster youth achieve to their highest potential by becoming knowledgeable about their district’s existing systems of support and by taking action to provide a high-quality and legally compliant education program and support services
H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
As with avian influenza or any other influenza pandemic, the potential impact of H1N1 influenza on schools could be enormous, affecting student and staff health, school attendance and job performance. In addition, school-age children play a pivotal role in transmission of influenza to their households and communities. Schools are leading indicators of outbreak and must be prepared to prevent and respond to emergencies. Careful planning, with a focus on prevention, is essential to reducing the threat of H1N1 influenza.
Preschool
Children’s early experiences have a profound impact on their readiness for school and later academic and economic success. There are multiple resources for K-12 school districts and COEs that would like to take an active role in expanding access to high-quality preschool for their future students.
Student Wellness
The health of students significantly impacts their ability to achieve academic success. Creating and sustaining a healthy school environment plays a critical role in providing high-quality education to all children. As the ultimate decision-making body within a district, the school board has the opportunity to generate systemic change in schools and their surrounding communities. Student wellness covers a range of focus areas:
Student health resources and issues
Contacts