ED Launches New Blog Highlighting State and Local Ideas on K-12 Reform

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has a new online resource called PROGRESS. The site highlights best practices and lessons learned from implementing K-12 education reforms, with a particular focus on capturing the perspectives of educators, administrators and students at the state and local levels.

Key themes include:

• How students are being prepared to succeed in college and careers;
• How educators are receiving higher quality support and opportunities; and
• How innovative leaders and educators are transforming school systems to meet new, higher expectations.

PROGRESS will provide examples of how educators, districts and families are working with ED, state and local governments and other cross-sector partners to implement reforms. For instance, in Florida, a recipient of a Race to the Top grant, a new initiative is focusing on exposing students in rural communities to opportunities in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). STEM professionals help to make the program a success by providing students with mentoring and hands-on learning experiences.

This initiative and other stories on the blog demonstrate the importance of partnerships in achieving better results. Gathering input and participation from diverse partners and multiple sectors expands the knowledge, skills, relationships and other resources that can invested to produce lasting change. However, partnerships also require building members’ capacities to work together. For tools and templates on developing accountable partnerships, check out the Building Neighborhood Capacity Program Resource Center.

Learn more about state and local K-12 reform efforts on PROGRESS. If you have an idea for content you would like to see on ED’s new site, email progress@ed.gov.