What is the best strategy for a school leader to use community services to support student success?

Coordinating opportunities for families to access services at multiple sites is the most effective strategy for a school leader aiming to support student success through community services. This approach recognizes that families may have different needs and limitations when it comes to accessing resources. By providing options across various locations, the leader ensures that services are more accessible and convenient for families, thereby increasing participation.

This strategy also fosters partnerships between the school and local organizations, creating a more integrated support system. Engaging the community in multiple ways allows students and families to benefit from diverse services, whether those are health-related, educational, or social in nature. Moreover, it sets a collaborative tone, emphasizing the importance of a strong community network that supports the school.

In contrast, focusing solely on on-campus resources can limit the variety and scope of help available to students. Requiring students to seek services independently can place undue burden on them and their families, particularly for those who may be less knowledgeable about available resources or lack transportation. Limiting access to a single community volunteering site restricts opportunities and can discourage families from seeking help if that site does not meet their specific needs. Thus, coordinating access to multiple sites best supports the overall goal of enhancing student success through community engagement.