Join Us in the Fight to Combat Chronic Absenteeism
Watch to learn about the challenges and CIS' solutions.
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is calling roll on the 15 million students who were absent from school last year. Their reasons why are very real. Many students face challenges with safety, transportation, mental or physical health, access to clean clothes, food insecurity or have household responsibilities such as childcare or needing to work.
Together, We Can Be Present in Schools
Communities In Schools offers a unique solution to combat chronic absenteeism through trained, caring adults—site coordinators—who address and find solutions to the many barriers affecting students' ability to be present in school.
Our evidence-based model of integrated student supports (ISS) provides direct service to students through a program implemented in schools and run by CIS staff. When CIS is present inside schools, we work with other support staff to bring in community resources and partners to help meet the needs of the school and of students and families.
We take this on so school administrators can focus on running the school and teachers can focus on teaching.
CIS Success Story
By putting students at the center of a caring community of support, we partner with school staff and district administrators to transform education systems from within.
“I never thought I’d make it to graduation," Andrea said. "School just wasn’t for me. But Mr. Walker changed everything."
The bond Andrea formed with Deontae Walker, CIS of Memphis site coordinator, became a lifeline. His consistent presence and unwavering support helped Andrea navigate her emotional struggles and stay focused on her future.
Before Andrea entered Deontae’s caseload in December 2023, she was chronically absent, attending school only twice a week. But now, she hasn't missed a single day since.
“None of this would’ve been possible without Mr. Walker,” Andrea said. “He showed me that I’m capable of so much more.”
Our Impact
Student Success Lasts a Lifetime
*Results are from the 2022-2023 school year.
How We Partnered with West Virginia
Communities In Schools and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) created a partnership in 2018 to deliver the CIS model of integrated student supports to some of the state’s most at-risk students.
WVDE began the project with a pilot in nine schools in school year 2018-2019. Finding success with students and support from local and political stakeholders, WVDE expanded the model to more than 110 schools serving approximately 50,000 students as of March 2021.
As of 2024, CIS is now found in every school district in the state.
Learn How We Show Up for Students
