The State's new measure of school performance was unveiled this week, making it possible for anyone to easily compare school performance across their district and across the state, and see the targets that the State Department of Education has set for expected progress. Hartford went through this same exercise six years ago when it developed its Overall School Index (OSI). Will the State's new SPI have the same impact on school improvement efforts that Hartford's OSI has had?
So Close!
Loss in Race to the Top Competition Leaves Some Bright Spots
President Obama announcing the Race to the Top grant winners this week.
The Hartford Public Schools went from a lump sum award of $5 million last week from the Gates Foundation to an "A" for effort this week, when the federal Race to the Top announcement left Hartford among 45 also rans who came in behind the 16 successful applicants. The winners will now share $400 million to address critical local education needs.
Hartford Youth Scholars Kalayah Curry and John Van Allen (above, with John's mom, Kameyia Van Allen, at right), are set to graduate from high school next spring, their sights set on top-flight college experiences. The Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation's Steppingstone Academy that helped prepare them was so demanding that they almost quit. But they didn't; now the story is . . . rigor begets rigor.
This Week
Please feel free to reach out to me personally with your thoughts on how we can continue to make an impact for children and families ... and know that our entire staff welcomes your insights anytime.
Paul Diego Holzer, Executive Director
Our Staff:
Pat Salner, Rahsaan Yearwood, Lourdes Fonseca, Kent Ashworth, Nyesha McCauley
Achieve Hartford! is an independent, nonprofit organization of business and community leaders dedicated to supporting student achievement and effective and sustained school reform in the Hartford Public Schools.
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The Yale School of Management's 2013 Educational Leadership Conference Registration is opening; it takes place April 4-5 of next year; it's worthwhile and it's here.
