Communities In Schools of Memphis

Communities In Schools of Memphis Breaks Down Barriers Through Integrated Student Supports

As America’s schools reopened their doors post-pandemic, 87 percent of public schools across the United States reported negative impacts. Millions of students fell behind academically. Schools observed that their students were behind grade level, experiencing deficiencies in socio-emotional learning (SEL) development and in need of more mental health support. In turn, school administrators, staff, and teachers felt unprepared and lacking the training to tackle SEL needs.

For students – especially those rooted in poverty – the risk for academic failure is real. Already beleaguered by pandemic-driven isolation, lack of community services, and family dysfunction, these students struggle with academic, behavioral, and attendance needs.

All Points North Foundation’s grant to Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM) will bring an evidenced-based Integrated Student Support model and teacher training to high-poverty middle schools in Memphis and Shelby County in Tennessee. This initiative will address chronic absenteeism, college and career readiness and empower vulnerable students to stay in school, despite the odds they face. CISM will also provide teacher training to novice middle school teachers centered around building more developmental relationships.

As an independent affiliate of the National Communities In Schools, the nation’s leading integrated student support model, CISM will serve over 5,000 students through this grant. Since 2021, CISM’s metrics have reflected improved student attendance by combating chronic absenteeism, driven by surrounding students with a community of support, allowing them to reengage and not only be graduate-ready but also ready for life.

CISM deploys student support specialists who work directly inside each school, serving as trusted and consistent points of contact for students and their families, delivering case management personalized to meet each child’s unique needs. From immediate needs like food or clothing to more complex ones like counseling or emotional support, specialists do whatever it takes to help students come to school, stay in school, and remain on track to graduation. A daily presence in the schools helps build strong relationships with school staff, students, and their families and fosters community partnerships that promote educational equity. For marginalized families, these pivotal relationships with caring adults help students hone SEL skills that eliminate barriers and engage in lifelong learning.

For more information, www.cismemphis.org

Photo credit: Communities In Schools of Memphis