Learning from Practice

Neighborhood School Network

From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12

Because of our expertise and proven ability to strengthen student achievement, the School District of Philadelphia entrusted us with the management of four of their lower performing schools, including the only externally-managed, large comprehensive high school.  Within four years, Foundations has been able to improve student achievement, school safety, teacher instruction, and parent/community engagement. Our direct experience managing schools enables us to offer a wide range of professional development and technical assistance based on current challenges faced by educators and administrators.

Visit Foundations’ Neighborhood School Network web site:
http://neighborhoodschoolnetwork.org

High School Teacher Coaching

From Grades 9 to 12

In 2005, the Annenberg Foundation partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to implement the Pennsylvania High School Coaching Initiative. Foundations serves as the lead partner in this $31 million initiative which provides trained teacher-leaders, or coaches, to 26 high schools throughout Pennsylvania. Instructional coaches provide professional development for administrators and facilitate in-class coaching, peer collaboration, and teacher professional development. We provide assistance to other schools and districts to implement customized instructional coaching initiatives. 

To learn more about the Pennsylvania High School Coaching Initiative, visit http://pacoaching.org.

Center for Afterschool Education

From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12

The Center for Afterschool Education at Foundations, Inc. works with programs, community organizations, schools, and districts to bring learning to life after school through engaging program content coupled with practical, effective staff development and quality assurance systems. One Center initiative is the Homework Zone, which builds academics along with study skills, self-direction, and teamwork. We also have special programs to expand language skills of English language learners through activities and projects. The Center also provides professional development and technical assistance to schools interested in incorporating similar programs.

To learn more about the Center's publications and trainings, visit http://www.afterschooled.org.

Ready for Work and Life

From Grades 7 to 12

Foundations operates a series of programs designed to prepare students for life after high school graduation. One of our most successful is the Job Resource Development Center (JRDC) at Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia. Based on student interests, JRDC helps students gain knowledge, skills, and work experiences through thoughtful course selection, school year and summer work experiences, and mentorship. Foundations provides professional development and technical assistance to schools interested in establishing or refining programs in work and life skills development and youth employment.

KidZone

From Birth to Age 24

Foundations started KidZone Philadelphia with a simple idea—the best places to grow up are those where people support one another and are invested in each other’s success. KidZone is a coalition of service providers and community stakeholders designed to coordinate and improve services and supports for all children. The unique framework for KidZone concentrates on children’s key developmental milestones, helping all kids successfully make critical transitions as they reach adulthood. Foundations is developing a new set of technical assistance models based on this experience.