CISNT implements the research-based, evidence-proven CIS model of Integrated Student Supports at high need school campuses in North Texas, providing tiered supports to address individual student, group, and schoolwide needs. Students served by CISNT are at-risk of dropping out of school, as defined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Students are considered at-risk if they meet one or more of 14 criteria, including but not limited to students who are experiencing homelessness, have Limited English Proficiency, are pregnant or parenting, children in foster care, have one or more incarcerated parent, as well as students who are economically disadvantaged who also have barriers to academic success. With increasing need for academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and relationship-driven supports, CISNT continues to expand and grow our programs.
Our Evidence-Based Model
At Communities In Schools of North Texas, we amplify the power of each student’s potential by connecting them to caring adults and community resources designed to help them succeed. We’re by their side every day, supporting them in ways that go beyond the classroom.
Each CISNT program is implemented by a full-time, degreed Site Coordinator who provides unique, tiered services which address student, family, and school-wide barriers to success. CISNT Site Coordinators are skilled providers of the CIS model, which is driven by the power of relationships to create positive change. All CISNT Site Coordinators work full-time on their school campus and are accessible to students on a daily basis.
In line with the national, data-driven Communities In Schools model, CISNT believes that community relationships are key to effecting positive change. Based on this strong belief in the power of relationships, CISNT utilizes community support through formal partnerships with 100 organizations in our service area to ensure that students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Students are referred to the program by teachers, counselors, school administrators, parents, and students themselves. Site Coordinators conduct a needs assessment of each student to determine gaps in resources and areas for growth. Site Coordinators also work in partnership with school administration to identify school-wide barriers to achievement.
Based on identified needs, Site Coordinators develop individualized support plans for each student and their school campus. Support plans are unique to each student to ensure they get the exact support that they need to be successful.
The Site Coordinator provides services in three tiers which address individual, group, and school-wide barriers to success.
Tier I School-Wide Services: CISNT serves at least 75% of the school population on each campus through Tier I school-wide services and events. Site Coordinators work with campus administrators to identify campus needs and provide services that address those needs, such as: executive functioning wellness groups, basic needs support (food, clothing, school supplies, etc.), college and career fairs, and parent and family engagement activities.
Tier II Targeted Group Services: Site Coordinators provide targeted group support services to students with common barriers to success. Groups may focus on: health and well-being, college and career readiness, life skills, arts and enrichment, academic support, leadership through mentoring, etc.
Tier III Individualized Services: Site Coordinators provide individualized student supports based on student needs assessments. Individualized services may include: one-to-one supportive guidance, mentoring with a community volunteer, mental health assessment and/or referral, assistance with college applications, providing health resources, etc.
Services are provided within Six Core Components to address physical, mental, social, emotional, and academic barriers to success.
The Site Coordinator continuously monitors student and school progress and adjusts supports to best equip students for success. As students’ needs change, services are modified to fill gaps in support.
CISNT measures three performance indicators that strongly correlate with student graduation rates and are tracked each school year: 1) student improvement in academics, behavior, attendance, and/or social services; 2) the rate of students staying in school; and 3) student promotion and graduation rates.
CISNT research-based, evidence-proven programs reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates. Each year, 99% of CISNT students stay IN school and on track for graduation.
Each CISNT program has a degreed, full-time staff member who utilizes a holistic approach developed from research-backed, evidence-proven practices. The CIS model is grounded in child and youth development research and has been found to increase on-time graduation rates while decreasing dropout rates.
Six Core Components
SUPPORTIVE GUIDANCE & COUNSELING
CIS staff and volunteers work in partnership with school staff to build a safe, supportive school climate in which all students have a trusted, positive adult. Site Coordinators provide services such as: intensive, one-to-one counseling, facilitated groups which address social and emotional well-being, matching students with a one-to-one CIS volunteer mentor, and mental health services from the CIS Mental Health Coordinator. Site Coordinators also create and support school-wide groups or events that promote a positive school climate, such as bullying prevention and kindness initiatives.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CISNT provides families in need with essential health and human services such as food, clothing, vision assistance, and school supplies.
PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Parent engagement is a key component of creating safe, positive schools. Site Coordinators engage parents in their children’s education through a combination of home visits, phone calls, in-school family events, and parent resource centers.
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
CISNT works to expand students’ awareness of college and career opportunities through services such as: college tours, career days, and leadership groups.
ENRICHMENT
CISNT builds students’ executive functioning skills through enrichment activities which also increase students’ attachment to and motivation in school. Examples of these services include after school clubs, cultural awareness activities, team building activities, and sports clubs.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
CISNT provides a safe place for tutoring assistance. Site Coordinators work with teachers to identify areas of academic need for each case-managed student. Site Coordinators and CIS volunteers from local universities help students set and achieve their academic goals.
Afterschool Programs
CISNT afterschool programs ensure a safe, enriching space for kids to learn and grow after school.
Daytime Programs
CISNT daytime case management programs are currently provided at 59 partner campuses in six school districts.
