As summer ends, the excitement of back-to-school preparations begins. For many, this time symbolizes new opportunities and the joy of learning. However, some youth face challenges that hinder their success. Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) steps in to support these students, helping them stay in school and achieve in life.

 

Who We Are 

Spanning Washington state and serving more than 100,000 students, CISWA works in partnership with a network of 14 affiliates serving these communities: Benton-Franklin, the Blue Mountain Region, Central Washington, Federal Way-Highline, Greater King County, Kent, Lakewood, North Central Washington, Peninsula, Puyallup, Rural Eastern Washington, Spokane County, Tacoma, and Whatcom-Skagit. Each affiliate addresses specific local needs, reaching over 200 schools in nearly 40 districts. These efforts lead to significant improvements in attendance, behavior, and academic performance. 

 

At the heart of our organization’s work lies a commitment to equitable access to resources and education. By focusing on students from low-income backgrounds, youth of color, those experiencing homelessness, and those exposed to trauma, the CIS WA network ensures that all young people have the supports necessary to thrive. Through the tireless efforts of site coordinators embedded within schools, roadblocks to success are identified and overcome, paving the way for academic achievement and personal growth. Our site coordinators fill a pivotal role as the single point of contact, connecting students and families with community partners and resources that address both academic and non-academic needs. 

 

Supports & Services

The CISWA approach is centered on Integrated Student Supports (ISS), a comprehensive framework that addresses the holistic needs of young people. By leveraging data to pinpoint student strengths and challenges, CISWA connects youth with the right support systems, empowering them to thrive academically and emotionally. This model remains adaptable to the unique needs of each community it serves, emphasizing flexibility and collaboration with local partners. 

Brian Rayfield, a Bellevue resident, current CISWA volunteer and former CISWA board member says, "I've seen how students who don't have their basic needs met can struggle in school and fall behind. I've also seen how the caring Site Coordinators at Communities In Schools step in to provide those students with essential support and continue to assist them, ensuring their needs are met and they graduate. It's an extraordinary program run by extraordinary people."

The key to this framework is core student supports, which encompass a wide range of services aimed at fostering academic success and overall well-being. Through a tiered approach and close collaboration with site coordinators, the CISWA network tailors its support to each student's needs. This includes individualized student supports and academic assistance, family engagement initiatives, and social-emotional support, ensuring all students have the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. This could look like: 

Additionally, CISWA operates on a tier support model to address the diverse needs of young people: 

 

Tier I supports are designed for schoolwide impact, aiming to improve the school climate around attendance, behavior, and curriculum for schoolwide impact. These supports should reach a minimum of 75% of students and be offered at least four times a year. 

 

Tier II supports target groups of youth with common needs, often consisting of individualized student supports. These supports align with individual goals in school support plans and are provided regularly over a sustained period. 

 

Tier III supports focus on individualized student supports with highly specific needs. These supports are intensive, one-on-one interventions designed to address individual student goals aligned with the broader schoolwide objectives. 

 

Through collaborative efforts and a dedication to equity and inclusivity, the Whole School Support model targets not only individual students but entire school populations, creating equitable conditions for learning and fostering a culture of academic success. Through initiatives aimed at tackling chronic absenteeism, prioritizing physical and mental health, and fostering civic engagement, the CIS WA network works tirelessly to ensure that every student can thrive. 

 

Ways to Make an Impact 

As the school year approaches, it's a great time to support our young learners. By joining forces, we can empower youth to achieve their best and build a brighter future for all. Get involved by volunteering, serving on a board, or participating in events like the state fair. To learn more about supporting Communities In Schools of Washington, visit ciswa.org. Together, we can create a world where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.