Boston Public Schools has a reputation for being one of the most-improved and stable urban school districts in the nation. In July, a new Superintendent took the reins. How will he expand on Boston’s success while addressing persistent equity gaps...
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Cincinnati Public Schools combines a comprehensive set of supports and high academic expectations to help its students beat the odds. Cincinnati pioneered the “community schools model,” where businesses and nonprofits provide services—such as health clinics, early learning centers and tutoring—to...
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In 2011, Cleveland’s schools were in crisis. Led by the mayor, a group of community organizations and district leaders created a plan to transform the district and improve student learning. With the community’s support, the district began transitioning to a...
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In less than a decade, D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) has transformed from a low-achieving, dysfunctional school district into the fastest-improving urban school system in the country. What made this turnaround happen? In this brief, we describe how DCPS has adopted...
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Just five years ago, Indianapolis Public Schools was languishing in the bottom rankings of the state. But now more students are passing state tests; taking and passing Advanced Placement exams; and graduating high school with plans to go to college,...
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School districts and teachers unions often clash over education policy, but in New Haven Public Schools, collaboration and engagement are the norm. “Engagement is a core part of NNPS’ theory of action,” explained Superintendent Garth Harries. The district has learned...
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Santa Ana Unified serves a low-income, high-minority population in Orange County, California. District leaders have set the goal of having all students graduate ready to enroll at a University of California or California State University upon graduating from high school....
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Over the past two decades, Springdale, Arkansas has seen an influx of immigrant families coming to the region for jobs. The community at large has embraced the newcomers, and the school system has transformed its educational approaches to best serve...
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In spite of several superintendent turnovers and severe budget cuts, Washoe County School District is moving strongly toward its goal to get all students “college and highly skilled career ready.” In this brief, we show how the district’s commitment to...
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When the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) became law in 2015, it granted states unprecedented authority to innovate and create new accountability systems. In this brief we outline our vision for what a next-generation state accountability system could look like....
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