Infographic: What Organizers Need to Know About ESSA

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), passed in 2015, was a marked shift away from its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act. Under ESSA, much of the decision-making, accountability, and oversight passed from the federal government to the states. In this transfer of policymaking to the state level, ESSA includes some important opportunities for students, parents, educators and communities to have their voices heard both in state capitols and in their local districts. Read more >

Schott Grantees Convene to Change the Conversation

One of the pleasures of working at the Schott Foundation for Public Education is that we have the opportunity to work with and learn from our grantee partners who do incredible grassroots organizing work all across the country. These public education advocates lead campaigns in their respective regions, but on March 15 and 16 leaders from 22 of our grantee partners convened together for our first Opportunity to Learn Network Communications Summit.
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School Districts Sue Illinois for Failing to Adequately Fund Public Education

Seventeen school districts filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging that the Illinois school funding formula does not sufficiently support school districts. Article 10 of the state constitution says Illinois must "provide an efficient system of high-quality education." These 17 school districts, which are in low-wealth districts and spend below the state per-pupil average, say the state does not give them enough money to accomplish a "high-quality education."
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Hate to Burst your Bubble, but it's Time to Rethink Standardized Tests

As a teacher with more than 30 years of experience in the classroom, I've spoken out to my students' parents, my colleagues, and to state and federal officials.

But you don't have to just ask me. Ask the classroom teachers in your community. They will tell you that too much standardized testing is interfering with teaching and learning.
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Schools of Opportunity Now Accepting 2017 Applications

The Schools of Opportunity project arises out of the reality that existing recognitions strongly favor schools that enroll students who, outside of school, have the richest opportunities.

Accordingly, this project recognizes high schools that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to equity and excellence by giving all students the opportunity to succeed.
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Two Education Dept. Picks Raise Fears on Civil Rights Enforcement

The new appointments for the Office for Civil Rights have been met with trepidation from advocates who are anxious about the future of the Office for Civil Rights, which gained a higher profile under President Barack Obama as it focused policy as much on equity in education as on achievement.
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