It’s Not a Matter of Time: Highlights from the 2011 Competency-Based Learning Summit
This paper summarizes the topics discussed at the March 2011 Competency-Based Learning Summit, including learning time, the work of successful schools and districts, and tough issues such as accountability, equity and assessment. At the summit, education leaders and innovators met to share knowledge and research related to competency-based learning. Source Organization: Aurora Institute Visit the… Read More ›
Leadership in Action: What is a Proficiency-Based Diploma?
This issue brief from the New England Secondary School Consortium’s Leadership in Action series outlines a need that in today’s world, a high school diploma has to mean something. To make sure that every high school diploma certifies strong preparation for college, work, and life, the old system needs to change. Source Organization: New England Secondary… Read More ›
Securing the Dream
Although Latinos comprise only 8.4% of Massachusetts’ population, their age structure (tilted toward the younger age groupings) and the constant influx of new immigrants from Latin America is transforming the state’s landscape of schools and workplaces. The authors of this compilation of reports present the implications of the disparities (in education, economics, and health) for… Read More ›
The Strengths and Challenges of Community Organizing as an Education Reform Strategy: What the Research Says
In this report, the Annenberg Institute for School Reform (AISR) examines a growing body of literature on community organizing to understand how this strategy fits into systemic education reform. AISR’s research shows that community organizing for school reform has the potential to create equitable changes, develop innovative education solutions that gather insights from under-served communities,… Read More ›
When Success is the Only Option: Designing Competency-Based Pathways for Next Generation Learning
Competency-based policy is often described simply as flexibility in awarding credit, or an alternative to the Carnegie unit. However, this does not capture the depth of transformation of a system shifting from a time-based system to a learning-based system. This report explores the driving forces behind competency-based innovations and implementation issues, and highlights a number… Read More ›
A New Era of Education Reform: Preparing All Students for Success in College, Career and Life
This report is on the 2010 statewide survey conducted by the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy of superintendents, charter school leaders, and principals to gauge the extent to which they support the integration of 21st century skills into public education. In an increasingly complex and global economy, the knowledge and skills required for students… Read More ›
Disconnected Young Adults in New England
This study provides an overview of the scope, scale, and consequences of the current disconnected young adult challenge. The authors offer policy recommendations to make the education system more flexible for this high-risk population. In New England alone, 10%, or 142,000 young adults ages 18-24 are “disconnected,” or leaving the public education system without the… Read More ›
Including Performance Assessments in Accountability Systems
This executive summary seeks to understand previous efforts at scaling up the use of performance assessments across districts and states. Through systematic description and comparison of seven large-scale initiatives, as well as analogous efforts from teacher certification, medicine, and law, the summary identifies the strengths and vulnerabilities in each initiative. Source Organization: Center for Collaborative Education, Nellie Mae… Read More ›
Meaningful Linkages between Summer Programs, Schools, and Community Partners
This report draws on findings from in-depth interviews conducted by the National Center for Summer Learning with 11 summer programs that have successfully developed collaborations between summer programs, schools and community organizations. Source Organization: National Summer Learning Association VISIT THE RESOURCE
The Learning Season: The Untapped Power of Summer to Advance Student Achievement
This report examines the benefits of summer learning opportunities, drawing on research that attributes the achievement gap to a lack of access to quality summer programs. Recommendations for policymakers and researchers include tapping philanthropic organizations, spreading awareness, and collecting additional data on underserved populations. Source Organization: The Nellie Mae Education Foundation VISIT THE RESOURCE
Critical Hours: Afterschool Programs and Educational Success
This report draws on research from a range of fields to establish the context for afterschool programs and their role in academic success. By examining afterschool programs, the report provides an overview of positive outcomes that set students up for engaged, lifelong learning. Experiences during adolescence shape students’ futures as learners and individuals. Afterschool time… Read More ›
Gaining Attraction: Urban Educators’ Perspectives on the Critical Factors Influencing Student Achievement
This study finds that higher performing schools displayed greater focus and competency in three broad areas of practice: leadership and staffing; school culture; and curriculum and instruction. The study report outlines specific strategies employed by higher performing schools with respect to each of these areas of practice and presents illustrative case vignettes drawn from these schools.… Read More ›