Maximizing the Promise of Community Schools: Streamlining Wraparound Services for ESEA

This policy brief sponsored by the Center for American Progress promotes the use of effective wraparound services within community schools. The author examines the effects of wraparound services in programs such as the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), where students and families have access to an array of socio-emotional supports. The author provides four federal policy recommendations: 1) consolidate the Full-Service Community Schools program and the Promise Neighborhoods program to maximize efficiency and resources, 2) ensure that a consolidated program encourages the coordination of services, 3) ensure that adequate time is dedicated to planning prior to implementation, and 4) continue to allow school improvement funds and 21st Century Community Learning Center program funds to support a community schools strategy.