Survey Reveals Communities In Schools Increases Student Performance and Teacher Satisfaction

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May 03, 2010, 05:19 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Teacher Day, Communities In Schools today released the results of the Teacher Support Study, a nationwide survey of more than 1,500 educators conducted by ICF International. Administered in eight states (Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington), the survey revealed that teachers strongly believe that Communities In Schools increases student performance on a variety of indicators and helped them to be more effective teachers.

Teachers reported that Communities In Schools' presence significantly improved student's ability to learn, and consequently, their ability to teach.

77% said the students developed more positive attitudes toward learning;
70% said the students became more engaged in the learning process; and
68% said the students came to class better prepared to learn.

In addition, teachers in this survey indicated a higher degree of job satisfaction as a result of Communities In Schools' presence in their schools than teachers in other national surveys.

71% of study respondents said that a Communities In Schools' presence in their school made their job less difficult.
77% of study respondents said they believed they were more effective because Communities In Schools provides access to learning resources.

In the comments section of the survey, several teachers elaborated:

"I am excited to know that there is another hand at the table of education working collaboratively to ensure that one more student is given the opportunity to succeed. Communities In Schools is that other hand."
"Our job would be 200 times more difficult without them (Communities In Schools)"

This study, part of a comprehensive evaluation conducted by Communities In Schools, further reinforces the findings that the Communities In Schools model of integrated student services not only improves student performance, but also provides the support and resources to help teachers have a real and positive impact on young people's lives.

For a complete copy of this survey, visit: www.communitiesinschools.org/teachersupportstudy.

Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Through a school-based coordinator, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical community resources, tailored to local needs. Working in more than 3,200 schools, in the most challenged communities, in 26 states, and the District of Columbia, Communities In Schools serves nearly 1.4 million young people and their families every year. Communities In Schools has become the nation's leading dropout prevention organization, and the only one proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates.

Visit our website at www.communitiesinschools.org.

SOURCE Communities In Schools