Communities In Schools (CIS)

What is the program/practice? 

Communities In Schools (CIS) non-profit organizations work in collaboration with school personnel to develop and provide a comprehensive Integrated Student Support (ISS) program model uniquely tailored to address unmet needs at each campus served. Professional CIS staff provide and coordinate an array of intentionally targeted behavioral health, academic support and social services that are available to all students on campus and to a smaller cohort of intensively “case-managed” students to ensure all students consistently come to school ready to learn and remain on the path to graduation.  CIS monitors student level data and tracks educational and behavioral outcomes for all case-managed students. 

Who is the program/practice for? 

The CIS model is designed to support schools by engaging struggling students and their families, removing barriers to students’ learning, and keeping students on track to graduation prepared for college, career or the military. CIS serves students in all grade levels (Pre K-12th). 

What outcomes does the program/practice produce? 

• Improve student behavior, academics, and attendance outcomes 
• Increase student retention and reduce likelihood of dropping out of school 
• Increase number of student graduates 
• Increase grade level promotion 

What is the evidence or research that supports the program/practice? 

Parise, L., Corrin, W., Granito, K., Haider, Z., Somers, M., & Cerna, O. (2017). Two Years of Case Management: Final Findings from the Communities In Schools Random Assignment Evaluation. MDRC: New York, NY. Available from: https://www.mdrc.org/publication/two-years-case-management 

In this study the CIS case management system was evaluated in comparison to other methods on the academic and non-academic outcomes using both a randomized control trial (RCT) design and quasi experiment design. The RCT showed that the CIS program got students involved in more support activities and improved the nonacademic outcomes of the students. Both study designs did show that schools implementing CIS improved graduation and dropout rates.   

Somers, M. & Haider, Z. (2017). Using Integrated Student Supports To Keep Kids In School: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation Of Communities In Schools. MDRC: New York, NY. Available from: https://www.mdrc.org/publication/using-integrated-student-supports-keep-kids-school 

In this evaluation, 53 schools implementing CIS were compared to 78 other schools without a CIS program. The study showed that in high schools implementing CIS, the graduation levels increased and dropout rates decreased. In elementary schools, attendance rates increased more significantly in CIS schools relative to comparison schools.  

How is the practice implemented? 

School districts contract with CIS affiliate organizations to provide the CIS Integrated Student Support model on designated campuses. Professional CIS staff integrate with school personnel on campuses to provide services. 

Who can implement the practice? 

Only a CIS organization accredited through Communities In Schools, Inc. (the CIS National Office) can provide the CIS Integrated Student Support model. There are twenty-seven (27) accredited CIS organizations in Texas.  

What are the costs and commitments associated with becoming trained in this practice? 

Please contact the program for the most recent costs and commitments, as these may change. 

Costs for a school district to contract with a CIS affiliate vary between organizations. Please contact the local CIS affiliate for current costs and commitments. 

What resources are useful for understanding or implementing the practice? 

• CIS of Texas Website:  https://www.cisoftexas.org/  
• CIS on TEA Website:  https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/support-for-at-risk-schools-and-students/communities-in-schools  
• Case study of CIS : https://www.mdrc.org/publication/using-research-evidence-strengthen-support-risk-students 

Rating: Supported

Secondary components: Positive Youth Development; Grief-Informed & Trauma-Informed Practices; Positive Behavior Interventions & Support; Building Relationships, Managing Emotions & Decision-Making Skills; Positive Safe & Supportive School Climate