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D.C. schools groups adjust to overhaul
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WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Just as D.C.’s long-beleaguered school system is undergoing a major overhaul this year, so are community groups committed to reforming it.
One group adjusting to the new environment is D.C. Education Compact, which started just before the reign of former Superintendent Clifford Janey and worked closely with him on his vision for corrective action.
The Compact’s two leaders told The Examiner that the organization — whose mission is to join parents, teachers, administrators, activists and citizens — is trying to find its place in the new schools landscape.
“But it feels like a tremendous opportunity. Energy, will and desire is in a common place,” said executive director Donna Power Stowe, who joined the agency in May.
During the spring and summer, the Compact led a number of town hall meetings to keep community members informed of changes in the schools and acquaint them with the new chancellor.
The Compact hopes to continue the meetings.
“Administrators come and go — though we hope they come and stay for a while ... but we have to keep making sure that people in the community are informed,” she said.
Within the next month, the agency also is planning to develop an online database of resources and programs aimed at improving student achievement.
To date, one of the organization’s chief accomplishments has been helping fund the national certification of 100 instructors a year during the past five years, staff member Thomas Bullock said. The group plans to continue the program.
Just as important, according to Stowe, has been the Compact’s effort to spur local school-reform groups to “think as one,” as criticism of efforts to improve student performance and parental involvement has often focused on the lack of a united approach.
dlevitz@dcexaminer.com
