Academics

The goal of the academics department is to support the work of urban educators to improve student achievement for all students in our member districts. The department collaborates with researchers and experts in the field to determine district systems and resources that correlate with improved student achievement. This informs our recommendations to instructional leaders.

We share high-leverage information through videos, publications, and virtual job-alike meetings. Additionally, we provide on-site strategic support teams, webinars, job-alike conferences, and workshops, while facilitating networking and collaboration among our members.

Ongoing efforts focus on supporting our members with the implementation of college and career-readiness standards, addressing unfinished learning, and integrating social-emotional learning into the academic program. This includes increasing the functionality of academic key performance indicators, providing additional opportunities for regional networking as districts implement standards, providing and piloting tools for determining district-level implementation of the standards, alignment of instructional materials, and providing written guidance for developing high-quality curriculum that is aligned to rigorous standards.

Academics Team Organization, Role-alike Groups, & Contacts

The Academics Team is organized around a service model that enables us to work collaboratively and cohesively in support of our member districts. Below is a chart of responsibilities under the Chief of Schools, Chief of Academics, and Chief of Curriculum. Of particular importance, the Academic Team is making a concerted effort to increase liaising between other role-alike groups within the organization, modeling improved coherence, and reducing working in silos.

Contacts: