There is no “Silver Bullet” that will change the course of American schools. The Foundation believes in a comprehensive reform agenda to create a high-quality, student-centered education system.
College and Career Readiness
Rigorous academic curriculum, such as the Common Core State Standards, will prepare students for college and careers. The Foundation supports policies that set high academic standards and provide rigorous preparatory courses and dual-enrollment options for students.
Digital Learning
Technology can revolutionize education by allowing individual lesson plans for each student. The Foundation supports the use of technology to empower teachers and provide students with access to a high-quality, customized education.
Effective Teachers and Leaders
We need to recruit teachers from all professions, and recognize and reward the effective ones. The Foundation supports ending tenure, the implementation of data-based evaluations and compensation, and alternative paths to certification/licensure.
K-3 Reading
Children who are not proficient readers by fourth grade face bleak futures. The Foundation supports performance-based promotion and rigorous interventions, particularly for third-grade students who can’t read.
Outcome-Based Funding
Spending more on education only works when the money targets strategies and programs proven to produce results. The Foundation supports policies that incentivize achievement, invest in proven policies, and recognize and reward student learning instead of just seat-time.
School Choice
Families need the financial freedom to attend schools that meet their needs. The Foundation supports policies that empower families to choose a public, charter, private, virtual or home school.
Standards and Accountability
Students and schools must be held to high academic standards, with their progress measured and results reported in simple, transparent formats. The Foundation supports standardized measurement of student learning, including annual comprehensive end-of-course assessments in elementary, middle and high school, as well as grading schools on an A-F scale – just like students.