Volunteers of America North Louisiana, a licensed partner of Communities In Schools (CIS), has achieved national certification by demonstrating compliance with all Communities In Schools Total Quality System (TQS) standards.
“We are proud to have achieved our certification, because it demonstrates our commitment to serving students in our community with the greatest level of quality,” said Chris Gabriel, Executive Vice President, Volunteers of America North Louisiana.
Volunteers of America North Louisiana recently began its sixth year implementing the Communities In Schools model of Integrated Student Supports in Caddo Parish Schools.
Following the effective model, site coordinators assess the students’ needs and implement measures to reduce the risk of students dropping out. The site coordinators operate as an integral part of the staff at their assigned school learning the unique culture and needs of their schools and building crucial relationships in the community.
Site coordinators currently work inside Booker T. Washington High School, Creswell Elementary, Oak Park Elementary, J.S. Clark Elementary, Broadmoor Middle School and Fair Park Middle School.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, 3,437 K-12 students were served with the support of dedicated community partners and volunteers. In addition, site coordinators identified 330 students who received targeted and sustained services. Of those 330 students served, 69% of students met their attendance goals, 72% met their academic performance goals and 66% met their behavioral goals.
Communities In Schools developed TQS standards to establish clear operational guidelines that ensure uniform quality and improved outcomes for all students being served by Communities In Schools licensed partners. TQS standards are part of an organization-wide commitment to evidence-based practice and the highest standards of accountability. The TQS standards define the organization’s expectations for implementing the Communities In Schools model of Integrated Student Supports.
Learn more about Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s partnership with Communities In Schools at www.voanorthla.org/cis.