Author: GreatSchools.org

GreatSchools is the leading national nonprofit empowering parents with essential information to improve educational opportunities for their child. GreatSchools’ trusted ratings and school quality information help parents find the right school for their family and take action to improve schools in their communities. Thousands of articles, tips and interactive tools help parents support their child’s learning and well-being every day. Families, community leaders and policymakers turn to GreatSchools for the school information they need to guide children to great futures.

GreatSchools.org launches ratings update California and Michigan

New ratings emphasize educational equity and elevate student academic progress, or “growth,” as a measure of school quality

OAKLAND, CA (August 13, 2020) — GreatSchools.org, the leading provider of school information, is launching an updated Equity Rating and Summary Rating for most K-12 schools in California and Michigan. The new methodology, piloted first in Michigan and California with a national launch planned for the fall, will give parents, advocacy organizations, and other community stakeholders a more nuanced view of school quality that prioritizes equitable outcomes. The new Equity Rating will now include student growth and college readiness metrics in addition to proficiency rates. The Summary Rating will also shift to emphasize student growth relative to standardized test scores.
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GreatSchools.org launches new summer learning resources

New grade-based summer learning program to help families curb summer slide during COVID-19

OAKLAND, CA (July 1, 2020) — GreatSchools.org announced new, free grade-based summer learning calendars, materials, and activities to help families support learning at home during the summer months amid the coronavirus crisis. The four week program is designed to help children from kindergarten through fifth grade practice important skills, build on what they learned this past year, and get ready for the next school year.
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New information helps parents understand school district plans for remote and summer learning

GreatSchools.org partners with the Center on Reinventing Public Education to shine the light on what district do — and do not — provide during school closures

OAKLAND, CA (June 15, 2020) — GreatSchools.org, in partnership with the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), launched a new COVID-19 Response section on GreatSchools.org. Parents, advocacy organizations, and education leaders can now find information about how many school districts plan for and deliver distance learning and assess and address learning loss. The information includes how teachers provide instruction, whether or not there are real-time interactions with other students, grading policies, and resources the district does — or doesn’t — provide to address the digital divide. Also included is new information about summer learning opportunities.
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There are no words, but somehow we must find them

It’s time for action

OAKLAND, CA (June 5, 2020)

Dear Friends,

At GreatSchools, we feel outrage at the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Oscar Grant, Nia Wilson, and countless others as a result of the police brutality and racist policies that perpetuate these injustices against Black communities. Continue reading “There are no words, but somehow we must find them”

GreatSchools.org launches new school closure learning guide

Grade-based resources and guidance help parents as their child starts learning at home during the coronavirus crisis.

OAKLAND, CA (March 20, 2020) — GreatSchools.org announces a new, free resource for parents as they support their families through school closures, home learning, and the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The school closure learning guide gives parents and caregivers practical advice, information, and easy-to-use tools to help prepare their child for learning at home. Continue reading “”