This paper is intended for use by district and charter representatives interested in establishing a new collaboration or in increasing the effectiveness of an existing collaboration. The paper presents our methodology, an overview of the nature of district-charter collaborations, and a framework based on lessons learned from leaders involved in various capacities over the last [...]
The mission of El Sol Science and Arts Academy (El Sol) is to provide a rigorous academic environment that prepares students for entrance into a college preparatory track at the high school of their choice and to create a culture of kindness, creativity, courage, and honesty that will permit our graduates to assume leadership roles [...]
This report, authored by Safal Partners and Public Impact, investigates the legal parameters that charter schools need to be aware of as they attempt to serve the needs of ELs. Specific areas explored by the paper include: Federal and State Legal Framework Requirements and Issues Related to EL Data Reporting Policy Implications at Federal and [...]
Accessing affordable facilities has long been identified as one of the most significant challenges facing charter schools. In response to this challenge, an array of policy and market-based approaches has emerged over the years. Examples of these approaches include: public and private credit enhancement, tax-exempt bond financing, community development lending, commercial facilities development, state per [...]
“To meet the needs of all students and accelerate achievement through educational innovation, the Austin Independent School District (“AISD” or “District”) and the Austin area partner public charter schools (“Charters”) have come together to share ideas, resources and infrastructure as a way to ensure that all students have viable educational options.” Austin District/Charter Compact executive [...]
GHCF asked our partner, EduStart, to conduct comprehensive research and analysis of blended learning models to inform its giving decisions. Our contributions to the project include: (1) Conducted research on Learning Management Systems and their influence on adaptive learning; (2) Contributed to a briefing paper to inform the field (3) Co-presented findings to a group [...]
Perhaps the ultimate success in education would be to have students who contribute to society, are confident in their abilities and hold their social responsibilities as a trust. Try measuring that, however. Instead, education is faced with a whole array of metrics trying to measure “Effectiveness,” none of which stand on their own as sole [...]
Teacher effectiveness, not surprisingly, starts with teachers themselves. Teaching is a skill that we all have to some extent and while degrees and certifications can help provide thresholds for competency, those credentials will never replace providing teachers support, an encouraging environment, and the right sources of motivation to continually improve at their job. As Dan [...]
The best recruiting identifies the types of candidates needed, creates desire by communicating those needs and then matches resources to opportunities. Identifying and communicating your needs is much simpler than you think. After all, that is why we have all those social media sites, jobs sites, your website and the Internet. The challenge of matching [...]
Designed & implemented college readiness program for middle schools (Challenge Network). Safal worked closely with Houston A+ as they redefined strategy and reinvented themselves as a non-profit that engaged with middle schools to enable post-secondary success. During the life of Safal’s work with the organization, Safal has designed and built many of its programs, continuously [...]