District Partner 2005–2007; 2011-2012
ERS partnered with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to analyze the allocation of resources and to help the district use the findings of the analysis to improve student performance.
"Teachers are in this 19th century model: we all get paid the same thing, and you earn more money by the number of years you put in. That doesn't make sense, and that doesn't happen in any other business but education. We have got to get out of this old way of thinking about teacher compensation, where it's about longevity. It takes radical reform to make some of the changes that are needed here and in our other urban school systems."
-Michelle Rhee, Chancellor; Public Testimony, July 23, 2009
District Facts
- Staff:
- 7800
- Students:
- 45,000
Work Focus
To examine spending and activities at both the system and school level and to identify ways to use resources more effectively at the school level to achieve high-quality instruction.
Findings and Outcomes
- ERS conducted a thorough funding analysis including examining current levels of funding for each type of school and student, comparing DCPS spending with other urban districts, and assessing funding levels for different student populations. Based on findings, ERS presented the district with recommendations to serve students with special needs in more integrated environments, increase organizational and operational efficiency, and implement a more coherent system-wide professional development strategy.
- ERS identified instructional and organizational strategies that DCPS schools can use to achieve high-quality instruction, individualized attention, and a core academic focus. Strategies included creative block scheduling, flexible grouping, collaborative planning, and expert mentoring and coaching to help teachers achieve key instructional goals.
« View All Partners
