Integrating Supports for Students with Wraparound

Traditional school models and policy frameworks have often neglected the outside-of-school factors that can impact students’ academic achievement and well-being at school. However, a number of schools in the USA have been or are beginning to integrate community-based support services to address students’ varied needs. School-based wraparound is an approach to promoting student success through a process of identifying, securing, and coordinating relevant supports. This article will describe some of the history of wraparound, its use as a school-based approach, the core principles of the process, and some examples of implementation in schools. The article will then provide a review of the outcomes research. In general, the current literature and research on the use of wraparound services suggest that it is a promising and cost-effective approach that can help to support student success. Finally, some current resources for planning and implementing wraparound services available to education professionals will be discussed.