Initiative Description: A partnership leadership team (Bryan & Henry, 2012) was formed that included volunteer leaders from the faith-based organization, the school principal, the school counselor, other student service personnel, and a parent from Charisma ES. Volunteers from the faith-based organization provided caring and supportive adult relationships, resources, opportunities, and service to the teachers, students, and parents of Charisma ES. After assessing the needs and strengths of the school, the team determined that multisystemic programs (i.e., individual, small group, and school-wide) were required to meet the needs of all students. Just Love comprised three programs: (a) Just Mentor (a school-based mentoring program), (b) Just Connect (a classroom adoption program), and (c) Just Rewards (school-wide student incentives and enrichment program).

Study Results: Results indicated significantly higher reading gains for 3rd- through 5th-grade students when compared with a control school without the partnership.

Reference: Henry, L. M., Bryan, J., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2017). The Effects of a Counselor-Led, Faith-Based, School-Family-Community Partnership on Student Achievement in a High-Poverty Urban Elementary School. Journal of Multicultural Counseling & Development, 45(3), 162–182. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.12072

Level of Evidence: Very Good