Community Collaboration to Improve Schools: Introducing a New Model from Ohio

Abstract

Conventional school improvement models traditionally involve walled-in approaches. These models focus primarily on academic learning strategies in response to standards-based accountabilities. Although positive outcomes have been documented, expanded school improvement models such as the Ohio Community Collaboration Model for School Improvement (OCCMSI) are needed. Expanded models like this one enable educators to gain some influence over students' out-of-school time and address nonacademic barriers to learning.This analysis presents OCCMSI's process and content components. Its aim is to facilitate understanding of the complex improvement strategies incorporated in expanded school improvement models, including strategic school-family-community partnerships. These expanded school improvement models offer new roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for school social workers.