Schools are being asked to do more than ever before to prepare all students for success in the twenty-first century. They are expected to bring all students to proficiency, close persistent achievement gaps, develop social and emotional competence, produce engaged citizens, and support inquisitive and creative learners—all while successfully transitioning students to college and careers. Educators have responded impressively to these varied and interconnected goals, but the traditional school structure is not designed to adequately address such diverse needs. Community-based learning— structured learning activities that take place in partnership with businesses and other community partners—can help students explore interests that fall outside of traditional school settings. As students venture outside the school building, they gain a new perspective on their education and their futures. In this policy brief, the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy hopes to support the development of innovative strategies that expand the definition of public education to include communities as learning laboratories.
This report is part of the Roadmap to Expanding Opportunity project which looks at promising, evidence-based strategies to better support all kids in our Commonwealth.