The Consortium on Chicago School Research (CCSR): A New Model of Research to Support Urban School Reform Presentation by Emily Krone and Nick Montgomery January 11, 2010 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

College

Graduation Rate

Beyond Headlines Of year- olds, how many…. Graduate high school by age 19 Enter a 4 year college within one year after high school Graduate from a four year college within 6 years (by age 24 or 25) Total African-American femalemalefemale male Latino White/other ethnic.

Understanding Graduation: The On-Track Indicator

The Search for Solutions CPS adds on- track to HS accountability CCSR publishes report using on-track CCSR publishes school-by-school reports Percent of freshmen on-track to graduate

The Search for Solutions CPS adds on- track to HS accountability CCSR publishes report using on-track CCSR publishes report detailing on-track indicator CCSR publishes “what matters” CPS pilots freshman interventions CPS implements early warning system CCSR publishes school-by-school reports Percent of freshmen on-track to graduate

CCSR’s Mission High-quality work Expand communications among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners Don’t argue for particular policies or practices, but support search for solutions Build capacity for school reform

Data Sources and Key Indicators Data linked to students over time: –Transcripts, administrative records, college admissions data – Test scores –CCSR teacher and student surveys Key indicators: –Graduation, on-track, and college-going rates –Test scores – Essential supports – Financial aid applications, college graduation

Historical Context of CCSR 1988 – Chicago School Reform Act decentralizes CPS 1989 – Consortium founded to study effects of decentralization 1995 – Mayoral control comes to CPS

CCSR: Organizational Facts Governance – 20+ member Steering Committee –Members from CPS, labor, state board of education, and business and philanthropic communities –Steering Committee plays no role in day to day management Budget – $3.8 million for Major Funders – IES, Gates, Joyce, Spencer, Carnegie, Chicago Public Education Fund Staff – 40 +

CCSR-Like Organization Essential in Today’s Policy Environment Teachers, schools, districts and political leaders are under greater accountability pressures Greater demand for data/knowledge to guide policies and practices Researchers can play critical role in supporting districts/schools in their search for solutions

The “Must-Haves”: What is Needed to Make this Model Work? Strong relationships Data Internal organizational capacity Consensus on mission Communications strategy

You are not alone New research partnerships forming around the country Recent startups in New York City, Baltimore, Newark (NJ), Greater Kansas City and Texas Planning efforts are ongoing in Detroit, Dallas, Jacksonville (FL), Los Angeles, San Francisco and Illinois We can help! Consulting, capacity building and support around the “must- haves” Collaboration on research and analysis with local partners Data tools and data system development Getting Started…

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