Elementary Full-Service Community Schools and College-Career Readiness: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Middle School Performance

• In Event: Urban Perspectives and Empirical Data

Abstract

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine whether Full-Service Community School programming in an urban elementary school extends into students’ middle school performance on college-career readiness indicators compared to a matched sample of non-community school students from the same school district. Findings indicate community school students (n=54) significantly outperformed their demographically matched non-community school peers (n=54) in overall Grade Point Average and math and English performance. Findings further highlight that decades of underinvestment in urban spaces require whole school reforms intentionally focused on student achievement in tandem with other critical areas that influence students’ overall well-being. Non-traditional educational contexts like Full-Service Community Schools meet this call and have demonstrated potential to advance college-career readiness in lasting ways.

Authors

• Kathleen Provinzano, Drexel University

• Toni A. May (Sondergeld), Drexel University

• Kristin L.K. Koskey, Drexel University

• Alonzo Flowers, Drexel University