Study on Education Organizing and Academic Improvement

About this grant

The goal of the project’s efforts in Chicago is to build sustainable improvement in the public schools that serve three low-income communities in Chicago. To achieve this, the project strives to provide parents and other community members with a stake in the school system and a reason to support and participate in it; and engage teachers and other educational professionals in working with the community.The project is part of an eight-site study on education organizing and academic improvement. Multiyear funding will enable Chicago ACORN to continue its efforts to improve teacher quality and create a more effective learning environment for students. Activities will include conducting an aggressive data collection and research program; providing parent training and advocacy; working with local school councils that are facing principal retirements or contract renewals to raise the importance of teacher quality issues; and collaborating with school, area, district staff and other school improvement groups on critical issues at the area and school levels.During the past year, accomplishments included holding six leadership planning meetings and three community-wide meetings to develop a platform for local school candidates.