Education support encompasses a broad range of resources and services to address student challenges, both academically and emotionally. This includes everything from tutoring to counseling programs.
Education support professionals need decent wages, better working conditions and respect for their critical role in the total learning experience. They are the foundation of our schools and workplaces.
School-Based Resources
While school-based resources are critical for ensuring student well-being, many communities also rely on county and community partners to address education and social service needs. State and local policies – including recent federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and a new state law in California – have created pathways for expanding mental health and other services in schools.
Nathalie used her role as an HCSA leader to facilitate community-school partnerships. She worked with county library staff to bring services into Duarte High during the pandemic and with county mental health and child welfare agencies to offer telehealth support.
In addition to leveraging county partnerships, Seneca uses its technical assistance model of Unconditional Education (UE) to build capacity within district and school partners to implement a full suite of integrated student supports, expanded learning opportunities, and family engagement practices. To do this, Seneca places UE coaches at each school site — essentially community school coordinators — for three years.
Family Involvement
As a result of decades of research, educators have a strong understanding of how family involvement can support student success. Families can provide a unique perspective of the student’s needs, strengths and areas for growth. This allows for a mutual understanding that leads to stronger collaboration.
School staff can build partnerships with community organizations to offer family-to-family support programs. These can include carpools, phone trees and play groups. They can also help families access a variety of community resources including adult literacy classes, GED courses and social services like food and clothing banks.
Schools can also facilitate family engagement through events and community projects, such as cultural festivals and local improvement initiatives. They can also promote a culture of inclusion by incorporating families’ “funds of knowledge” into the curriculum, recognizing that their diverse backgrounds enrich school communities.
Community Programs
Communities are rich in resources that can support students beyond the classroom. Community programs can provide wraparound supports, level the playing field by addressing opportunity gaps, and provide access to community-based services that foster family well-being.
When school-based staff partner with community organizations, it creates a powerful opportunity for civic responsibility and experiential learning. It also can generate new memberships, volunteers, or donors for the community organization and school. For example, a project that pairs students with local food banks may double the number of personal-care products donated.
To scale a community schools approach, leaders must invest in planning and training. It may take 3-5 years for leading indicators to emerge and for improved academic outcomes to be realized. Training and tools can be provided through community of practice convenings, regional summits, virtual workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Differentiated support is needed for practitioners depending on their level of experience, their position within a school, and the local context (e.g., rural vs. urban; high proportion of specialized student populations).
Online Platforms
Online platforms provide access to educational content that can help learners grow and develop their skills. They also offer a variety of interactive tools that support student engagement and collaboration.
Some of these tools include digital whiteboards, breakout rooms in video conferencing and discussion forums. These features allow students to communicate and collaborate with each other no matter their location or schedule. This asynchronous communication style allows for a flexible learning experience that works with varying learning styles and needs.
Udemy, for example, offers a vast catalog of courses on diverse topics. Its user-friendly platform and affordable pay-per-course model make it popular among professionals seeking professional development or hobbyists looking to expand their knowledge. Other online platforms offer more structured academic experiences, like Coursera and edX. They provide a college-like education without the campus setting and can lead to certificate or degree programs. This formal recognition can be important for some students. These platforms may also include more rigorous assignments and assessments.