Full Service Schools

Full-Service Schools

Full-service schools are based on the notion that no single magic bullet can substantially improve the lives of at-risk children and their families. Dryfoos (1994) presents the following list to suggest some of the components that together make up high-quality education:

"Quality Education Provided by School:

Effective basic skills
Individualized instruction
Team teaching
Cooperative learning
School-based management
Healthy school climate
Alternatives to tracking
Parent involvement
Effective discipline

Provided by Schools or Community Agencies:

Comprehensive health education
Health promotion
Preparation for the world of work (life planning)

Support Services Provided by Community Agencies:

Health screening and services
Dental services
Family planning
Individual counseling
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health services
Nutrition/weight management
Referral with follow-up
Basic services: housing, food, clothes
Recreation, sports, culture
Mentoring
Family welfare services
Parent education, literacy
Child care
Employment training/jobs
Case management
Crisis intervention
Community policing" (p. 13)

Reprinted with permission from Full-Service Schools: A Revolution in Health and Social Services for Children, Youth, and Families, by J. G. Dryfoos. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1994. http://www.josseybass.com

References