| AGENDA FOR STRENGTHENING URBAN EDUCATION |
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CHILDREN AT RISK has worked to improve graduation rates in Houston and throughout Texas. CHILDREN AT RISK in collaboration with stakeholders at the national, state, and local level share a sense of urgency to address the education crisis that continues to affect Texas. If Texans fail to act and strengthen public education we risk undermining the economic opportunity of the state.
To keep Texas strong, we must take action to reshape our educational system. The goal of CHILDREN AT RISK is straightforward – to create the opportunity for every child to improve the condition of their existence. Through strengthening education, CHILDREN AT RISK strives to cultivate an educated citizenry of self-sufficient individuals who are lifelong learners thriving in the workplace.
CHILDREN AT RISK advocates for educational reform that will achieve these objectives. The recommendations outlined in report, Agenda for Strengthening Urban Education are the result of a large body of research and interviews with administrators from local high school campuses. CHILDREN AT RISK policy recommendations include:
School Structure. Reforming school structure can facilitate personalize educational experiences where teachers and faculty can interact with students in meaningful ways. To improve schools, policymakers must encourage districts to expand learning time which provides an opportunity to engage students and reinforce learning in various ways including tutoring and academic enrichment activities. Policymakers must facilitate small learning communities in order to personalize education and engage students.
Teacher Quality. Align teacher performance and preparation with the knowledge and skills needed to improve student performance; strengthen teacher pay and achievement mechanisms in order to increase starting salaries, and reward teachers whose performance contributes to substantial growth in student achievement.
Youth Development and Collaboration. Encourage public-private partnerships that foster youth development and community collaboration by encouraging innovative programs like mentoring and internships to engage students; and
Data Quality. Standardize the definition of the graduation rate, implement accurate calculation methods, and employ a data recording system that tracks the traits that characterize each district’s dropout population. Educators and administrators must use the data to develop intervention protocols that connect at-risk students to supplemental services such as tutoring and behavioral health specialists.
To learn more about the Agenda for Strengthening Urban Education contact CHILDREN AT RISK at info@childrenatrisk.org or 713-869-7740.
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