The following is a list of recent resources for those focused on the professional improvement of teachers, principals, and other educational leaders.
Teacher Pipeline Encourages Careers in Urban Schools The Teacher Education Pipeline began in Chicago nine years ago and has since expanded across the state. The initiative cultivates educators specifically for urban communities. The students go through an extensive application process and, if accepted, they take redesigned courses to help them gain insight into the dynamics of urban students, families, and schools.
New Report Provides Independent Review of State ESSA Plans The Collaborative for Student Success and Bellwether Education Partners brought in more than 30 education experts to evaluate the 17 state plans that have been submitted for federal approval. Jim Cowen, executive director of the Collaborative for Student Success, hopes identifying the strengths and weaknesses of accountability plans will create a best practices clearinghouse designed to help states move beyond mere compliance with the federal law.
New Interactive Map Shows State Progress in Finalizing ESSA Plans The map provides updates on where states are in that process, and also shares relevant news coverage on how states have constructed their plans and engaged parents, educators, and stakeholders in the drafting process.
Every Step Counts: Building a School Choice Architecture Policymakers and researchers are increasingly focused on making the school choice process accessible and clear for families. Essentially, school district offices of enrollment and outreach are acting as “choice architects” for parents and students: those who design the environment or organize the context in which people make decisions. This brief offers guidance for current and aspiring school choice architects, including school districts and external support organizations that help families with the school selection process. It draws on insights from extensive work with nearly 30 government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions around the country testing different choice architectures – the presentation and framing of choices – and distills key lessons for school choice. (MDRC)
