Deane: Information Is Power — All Parents, Regardless of Income, Need Access to Good Data About School Quality

By Jon Deane and originally published on The 74.

OAKLAND, CA (December 2, 2019) — As college application season kicks into high gear, a myth prevails that only privileged families work hard to crunch data and debate the pros and cons to ensure their children can get the education they need. But new research debunks this myth, conclusively showing that the very families who have been underserved by our educational system, often low-income black and Hispanic families, are setting their sights high and prioritizing educational opportunities. Continue reading “”

GreatSchools.org launches expanded College Readiness Rating

New information helps parents understand if their children can access high-level courses and Dual Enrollment in community colleges

OAKLAND, CA (December 12, 2019) — GreatSchools.org, a national nonprofit empowering parents with information to unlock educational opportunities for their children, released a new, expanded College Readiness Rating including new data about advanced courses and programs to earn college credits while still attending high school. For the first time, GreatSchools is adding information about Dual Enrollment, or the opportunity for high school students to take college classes earning credits towards an associate degree. Also, parents can now find information about the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program found in many public high schools in communities across the country. Continue reading “”

GreatSchools Unveils New Data on School District Finances

Data can help parents and policymakers advocate for more equitable spending

OAKLAND, CA (December 12, 2019) — GreatSchools.org, a national nonprofit empowering parents with information to unlock educational opportunities for their children, is proud to unveil new data on individual school districts’ revenue and spending. With this update, parents can better understand how a school district allocates its funds and take action to ensure that resources are allocated more equitably. Continue reading “”

Communities celebrate College Success Award to kick-off the new school year

High schools in Oklahoma, Texas and Connecticut go above and beyond to show their spirit and school pride in winning the 2019 GreatSchools College Success Award.

OAKLAND, CA (October 18, 2019) — Today, GreatSchools.org announced the winners of the Celebrating College Success social media contest for 2019 GreatSchools College Success Award-winning high schools. In May 2019, 1,722 public high schools across the country were honored and celebrated for excelling in preparing their students for college and ultimately careers.[1] The four contest winners exhibited creativity, community involvement, and the spirit of college success. Continue reading “”

Lloyd: This Year, 1,722 High Schools Are Receiving College Success Awards. Meet 5 of the Winners Helping Their Low-Income Students Thrive

By Carol Lloyd and originally published on The 74.

OAKLAND, CA (May 2, 2019) — “It was always arguments, drama, fighting,” Lashawn Pettaway Polen says of his previous school. “If I did more [schoolwork] … I would become a target.” Eight years ago, his mother transferred him to North Star Academy, an Uncommon Schools charter school in downtown Newark. This spring, the high school senior will graduate with eight Advanced Placement classes under his belt and a plan: “I want to major in psychology and become a child psychologist.” Continue reading “”