LINC cited as an example in new federal legislation on schools
US Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) introduced federal legislation encouraging a more comprehensive approach to education by building integrated, collaboration systems to support children by making schools the center of communities. Read press release.
Under the DIPLOMA Act (Developing Innovative Partnerships and Learning Opportunities that Motivate Achievement) states would received funds to:
- develop an overarching strategic plan to enhance education and other child/youthoutcomes based on a comprehensive results framework
- provide training, technical assistance, and professional development
- administer competitive grants to local consortia, and holding them accountable for results
The legislation was developed and supported by a wide ranging number of groups including teachers, United Way with significant leadership and support from the Coalition for Community Schools.
The work of LINC in Kansas City and other similar community schools efforts across the country were cited by Martin Blank, director of the Coalition for Community Schools, as evidence of the effectiveness of the approach and a reason to support the federal legislation which was introduced July 15.
Blank said: "The Coalition and its partners recognize that there is an inextricable link between strong schools and strong communities."