The Five Conditions for Learning
Community schools are in a unique position to fulfill five conditions for
learning that the Coalition for Community Schools has identified as necessary
for every child to succeed, based on an analysis of recent literature. Here is a
summary of the conditions and the research on which they are based:

The research shows that:
› Competent and prepared teachers strongly affect
student achievement.
›A rich curriculum with quality content and
effective instruction challenges children to meet
high standards and has a direct impact on
improved student achievement.
›High-performing schools are guided by strong
leadership and clear vision and create an atmosphere
of trust among staff and parents.
›Small schools and class sizes contribute significantly
to improved academic achievement and
long-term educational outcomes, especially for
minority, inner-city and low-income children.

The research shows that:
›Brain functioning from infancy throughout the
school years is most efficient when learning is
active and concrete.
›Students learn best when they are personally
interested, when they are actively involved and
when they consider the content important.
›Effective learning occurs when schools, afterschool
programs and other organizations use the
resources and challenges of the community as a
living textbook for learning.
›Enrichment activities that enhance rather than
replicate classroom work help students acquire
skills and competencies that contribute to classroom
success.

The research shows that:
›Comprehensive school-based health care helps
improve attendance, behavior and grades.
›In addition to promoting students¡¯ selfconfidence,
mental health services contribute
to better school performance and an improved
school climate.
›Proper nutrition and physical exercise have a
significant impact on student academic outcomes
and participation in school as well as
on psychosocial functioning.

The research shows that:
›Active parent and family engagement strongly
predicts school success.
›Efforts to build respectful, cooperative relationships
among parents, families, teachers and
school administrators help family members feel
more capable of contributing to their child¡¯s
education and connected to their child's school.
›When families are supported in their parenting
role, their involvement in their children's learning
increases and student performance is
strengthened.
›Consistent parental involvement at home and at
school -- at every grade level and throughout
the year -- is important for students' academic
success and future aspirations.

The research shows that:
›Young people who feel safe, accepted and
connected to their schools are more likely to
stay in school, develop social skills and do well
academically.
›Young people, teachers and other adults benefit
from caring relationships, opportunities for
participation and an atmosphere of high
expectations.
›Community organizing and community
engagement build support for school reform,
improve school climate and set the stage for
academic achievement.
›The condition of school buildings has a significant
impact on both school climate and student
achievement.

   Learn more about the specific studies that support
each of the five conditions for learning in the full
Making the Difference report in Chapter 2, page 15.

© 2003, Coalition for Community Schools
For more information, e-mail ccs@iel.org