The Case for Expanding the Comprehensive Educational Reform Model: Lessons From a Community Needs Assessment

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division G Section 4 Poster Session: Social Contexts of Educational Policy, Politics, and Praxis

Abstract

Although education scholars debate whether schools alone can close the achievement gap or whether community programs that address family and neighborhood effects of poverty are also necessary (see Dobbie & Fryer, 2011; Noguera & Wells, 2011), we suggest that neither approach may be sufficient. This study draws on qualitative data collected during a needs assessment from residents, students, service providers, and school administrators in a high-poverty community seeking to apply for a Promise Neighborhoods grant. Common themes included pervasive violence, neighborhood isolation, and institutional neglect. For true educational reform, we recommend a model which offers social services to the community while also actively building community capacity to address systematic causes of poverty.

Authors

• Joanna D. Geller, Vanderbilt University

• Bernadette Doykos, Vanderbilt University

• Krista Craven, Vanderbilt University

• Maury Nation, Vanderbilt University

• Kimberly Bess, Vanderbilt University