Forum on Evaluation of Philadelphia’s Renaissance Schools Initiative

Posted by on March 26, 2012

Save the date: April 10
Join us for a forum on RFA’s evaluation of Philadelphia’s Renaissance Schools Initiative

Philadelphia’s Renaissance Schools Initiative has been the source of much discussion and debate since it was implemented in 2009 with the goal of dramatically improving chronically low-performing schools in a short period of time. Last month, RFA’s evaluation of the Renaissance Schools found that the first year saw impressive gains in student achievement, which generated further discussion about the reform effort, its effectiveness and its sustainability.

We want to hear your questions and comments, too. You are invited to a public forum to discuss RFA’s Renaissance Schools report on Tuesday, April 10 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. The forum is an opportunity to hear from the researchers who conducted the study, as well as education officials and community leaders.

Space is limited. RSVP to info@researchforaction.org.

Details

RFA’s Renaissance Schools Forum
Tuesday, April 10
4:00 – 5:30 pm
International House, South American Room (2nd floor)
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Background

RFA’s research on the Renaissance Schools represents the most exhaustive study of school turnarounds – a key element in federal and state education reforms – in the commonwealth and region to date. The study focused on determining whether the first group of 13 schools – both District-run Promise Academies and Charter-managed schools – made early progress toward the longer-term goal of dramatically improving student outcomes. Overall, both district- and charter-managed models of Renaissance Schools made notable progress in Year One of the Initiative, improving significantly on all other student outcomes measured. However, these schools remain among the lowest performing in the District. It is also too early in the life of the Initiative to determine whether these preliminary results will be sustained over time.

To download:

The full report, click here.
http://www.researchforaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/RFA-Renaissance-Schools-18-Month-Report.pdf

The executive summary, click here.
http://www.researchforaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/RFA-Renaissance-Schools-Executive-Summary.pdf

And, be sure to check this page on our website to follow emerging national and local news coverage on this report.
http://www.researchforaction.org/spotlight-renaissance-schools-at-18-months/