Building on Strengths to Address Challenges: An Asset-Based Approach to Planning and Implementing a Community Partnership School

This article explores the planning and implementation process for a community partnership school for a historically low-performing elementary school using an asset-based community development approach. We offer insights into the community needs assessment process that enabled four key community partners to identify needs and projects for the school and surrounding community. The community partnership school draws its strength from four local organizations assimilating their expertise and resources on focal areas for community engagement. Beyond organizational resources, the partners also developed local networks and resources that could be useful for the community. Building on the asset-based community development model, insights and challenges are presented for others seeking to employ a similar approach to mobilize assets for student success and community engagement.