Ministry Policy Site

Policy Document: CommunityLINK

In effect July 1, 2006. Current policy.

This page sets forth the Ministry policy entitled "CommunityLINK".


POLICY STATEMENT

The purpose of CommunityLINK programs and services is to improve the educational performance, including the academic achievement and social functioning, of vulnerable students.

RATIONALE

Vulnerable students sometimes require extra support in order to achieve optimal educational outcomes.

LEGISLATION/ REGULATIONS

As per the Statement of Education Policy Order

“The purpose of the British Columbia school system is to enable learners to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy society and a prosperous and sustainable economy.”

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS

CommunityLINK Schools: for the purpose of the CommunityLINK policy, the term "CommunityLINK schools" means schools with a significant percentage of vulnerable students. In determining vulnerability, school districts may consider: low income measures; involvement with the provincial social service ministries and related agencies; information obtained through community mapping; community socio-economic demographics, such as aboriginal ancestry, and other relevant information.

POLICY

The province provides annual CommunityLINK funding to school districts. The purpose of CommunityLINK funding is to support programs and services to improve the educational performance, including the academic achievement and social functioning, of vulnerable students.

In providing CommunityLINK programs and services, school districts will:

  • establish effective programs which directly support vulnerable students;
  • target CommunityLINK funds to vulnerable students;
  • support family and community involvement;
  • promote partnerships and an integrated approach to supporting vulnerable students with families, communities and service providers.
School districts have the responsibility and flexibility to determine the most effective use of CommunityLINK funding for programs and services to support vulnerable students.

PROCEDURES

Districts must report annually to the ministry by November 15 on CommunityLINK results, activities and expenditures for the previous school year using the following template Word Document.

The ministry expects that districts will maintain data and records to support their evidence-based CommunityLINK programs and services.

 

 

Contents

    If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the CommunityLINK policy, please contact Equity and Diversity, EDUC.DiversityandEquity@gov.bc.ca, BC Ministry of Education.
  • General information on CommunityLINK may be found at CommunityLINK general info including the history of CommunityLINK funding and research supporting CommunityLINK funding.
  • Please go here for CommunityLINK detailed info including:
    • promising practices for nutrition programs, support workers, inner city schools, school grants, community schools and other district CommunityLINK programs and services;
    • contact names and other helpful information.