Learn how CIS of Chicago can support your program through partnership, observation and connections to schools.

1. How CIS of Chicago Can Help
Enhance Your School-based
Program

2. What does a strong school-based
program look like?
Strong school-based programs take into account elements from the Universal
Core Competencies. The Universal Core Competencies were derived from our
Elements of Effective Program frameworks and summarize best practices for
organizations that deliver student-focused programs.
We encourage our community partners to use these Competencies as a
guidepost rather than a checklist. We recognize that some Competencies may
be more relevant to some organizations’ work than it is to other organizations’
work; but we are confident that the best practices outlined will encourage
organizations providing student-focused programming across a variety of topics
to think more deeply about how to maximize the impact of their work.
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3. Elements of Effective Programs
As stated, the Universal Core Competencies are a compilation of the
research from our three categories of Elements.
In 2012, CIS of Chicago started with Violence Prevention, researching
“best practices.” During the 2013-14 school year, we researched Arts
Education. Then, in the 2015-16 school year, we researched Health
Education.
Below are the three Elements of Effective Program descriptions:
• Elements of Effective Violence Prevention Programs
• Elements of Effective Arts Education Programs
• Elements of Effective Health Education Programs

4. Putting Core Competencies to Work
Based on our partners’ feedback and experiences, CIS of Chicago designs free trainings
for community partners via our NAVIGATE training series. These trainings are offered
throughout the year, and all professional development trainings are aligned with the
Universal Core Competencies.
NAVIGATE Trainings
Training series to help improve the quality and expand capacity of programs. Check out
upcoming events here: Upcoming Events
Tailored Support
Customized assistance to improve program efficacy.
Working Groups
Opportunities for small groups of community partners to discuss a specific topic on a
deeper level.
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5. Additional Program Support
Program observations
CIS of Chicago provides ongoing support to community partners through program
observations. Observations and observation feedback is aligned with the Universal Core
Competencies and is meant to help community partners ensure students are getting the
most out of their program.
Collaboration
Community partners are given opportunities to expand programming and deepen program
impact by collaborating with other organizations in three ways:
1) Resource Sharing, 2) Alignment, 3) Construction.
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6. Tips: Curriculum Design and Delivery
• Write and explain learning objectives, goals/expectations to students at
the beginning of a presentation.
• Customize instruction to different learning styles and abilities through
differentiated instruction (audio-visual aids, group discussions, helpful
props).
• Assess student learning throughout the presentation: restating key
concepts, check-in.
• Include student participation, activities, and connections to their own lives.
• Exit Assessment: Were the objectives were fulfilled? If not, why weren’t
the objectives fulfilled? If so, how were the objectives fulfilled?
• Align lessons and curriculum to learning standards that are true to your
program.

7. Tips: Cultural Relevance
• Discuss the various cultures in the school with school personnel in order
to make any program modifications.
• When appropriate, acknowledge the diverse make-up of a student
audience, referencing factors such as race, economics, gender,
immigration status, sexual orientation or disability status.
• Provide relevant examples of culturally diverse individuals.
• Accommodate English language learners by providing visual aids,
allowing extra time for discussion, and, if possible, including an
interpreter.
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8. Tips: Assessment
• Develop assessments that provide easy-to-understand feedback.
Incorporate surveys, observations, and anecdotes.
• Share assessment results with the school administration, classroom
teacher, and CIS of Chicago.
– Request time to review the results with relevant school
personnel.
• Discuss successes and challenges from both the school and agency
perspectives.
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9. NAVIGATE Blog
The blog is a resource for community partners providing school-based programming.
Components of the blog include information on the following:
•Upcoming events
•Materials and resources from past trainings
•Teaching tips for working with students with disabilities
•Videos – students and school staff share their perspectives of school-based programming
•Past editions of The Navigator
•Guest blog posts on topics relevant to community partners
See for yourself! https://communitiesinschoolsofchicago.wordpress.com/
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