We are excited that we have achieved National Accreditation by demonstrating compliance with all Communities In Schools Total Quality System (TQS) standards!
The TQS standards define expectations for effective non-profit business practices and for implementing the Communities In Schools model of integrated student support services at school sites. The site standards are based on a five-year, longitudinal national evaluation conducted by an independent, outside evaluator that documented the impact of the Communities In Schools model. The evaluation revealed that schools implementing the Communities In Schools model with high fidelity had higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and performed better than comparison schools in increasing the percentage of students meeting or exceeding math and reading proficiency in 4th and 8th grades, a crucial predictor of high school graduation.
Communities In Schools of Federal Way partners with several local agencies and service providers to bring in resources and services to the students most at risk of dropping out of school. A sample of the services include providing or brokering mentoring, tutoring, free school supplies, low-cost dental care, anti-bullying programs, after-school enrichment programs, vouchers for clothing, vouchers for gas or bus passes, college and sat prep, just to name a few!
Communities In Schools developed the Total Quality System to establish clear operational guidelines that ensure uniform quality and improved outcomes for all students being served by Communities In Schools affiliates. The TQS system is part of an organization wide commitment to evidence-based practice and the highest standards of accountability.
“We are proud to have achieved our accreditation as it underlies the value of falling in compliance with the high set of standards put in place by Communities In Schools,” said Tracy Oster, Executive Director
Communities In Schools of Federal Way is among the first to receive its national accreditation among the nearly 200 local affiliates that comprise the Communities In Schools network in 25 states and the District of Columbia.