Status of Education “Innovation Zones” Around the Country

Memo • December 2011

In 2010 and 2011 Education Evolving studied the policy frameworks being used in large cities around the country to encourage innovation in school. Here is a summary of those district and state policy frameworks, as of 2011.

Unsustainable

Book • February 2011

One effect of the federal stimulus funding for K-12 has been to create an impression that schools are suffering today because of the economic downturn. This is true. But the downturn is not the sole reason for their financial pains… nor is it the principal reason.

Strategy for Realizing the Potential of “Digital”

Report • February 2011

Digital’ carries the potential to improve learning. But, potential alone won’t sell district management on bringing it into schools. New technologies are most likely to be adopted when decisions are made at the school, when schools are given autonomy.

Kolderie Talk to Knowledge Alliance

Speech • August 2010

E|E’s Ted Kolderie explains why sound policy requires true innovation, followed by “continuous improvement”. The two must exist together; we may not be able to afford a ‘monoculture’ in education policy.

Innovation-based Systemic Reform

Report • April 2010

Policymakers, in revising ESEA, should think of strategy as a “split screen”. The only realistic approach is to pursue our differing goals at the same time. K-12 education must improve both its performance and its economics. It must work concurrently for equity and for excellence. It must improve traditional school while encouraging innovation beyond traditional school.

Staying In: Youth Explain Why Motivation is Central to Learning and Graduating

Report • April 2007

This report examines the experiences of youth who quit school or were on the path to quitting. It describes their human, and democratic, desire to choose whether or not they will learn. It finds that once engaged students learn better and that different things motivate different students; no one factor is motivating for all students.

2020 Annual Report

Report • May 2021

Highlights from our work in 2020—in the areas of thought leadership, policy advocacy, and educator networks.

Public comment on first draft of revised Standards of Effective Practice

Memo • January 2020

2019 Annual Report

Report • May 2020

Highlights from our work in 2019—in the areas of thought leadership, policy advocacy, and educator networks.

Competency-Based Education FAQ

Memo • January 2019

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding competency-based education, including a thorough definition of CBE, its advantages over traditional approaches, the role of teachers, and legislation to enable and support CBE.