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Written by Mark Magner
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Monday, 12 February 2007 00:20 |
EduCrate Background Information
research-based Solutions
Every component of the EduCrate, from the outside of the classroom to the materials inside, is based on the latest research on how to make schools successful. Our approach to delivering the classrooms is guided by the Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies (Appendix D). Once we successfully negotiate delivery, we are mindful of the fact that our clients are experiencing tremendous change, and we adhere to theories of change that are well-supported in research (Elmore 1996; Sarason 1996; Fullan 2001). In addition, we know that a quality teacher is one of the most important factors in student success (National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future 1996; Fullan 2001), and our EduCore teachers and coaches are well versed in providing support for diverse teaching methodologies and standards (Ravitch 1995; National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future 1996). Finally, research shows that new classroom construction in the United States costs approximately $17,000/child (National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities 2006). The overall cost of the EduCrate is highly competitive and cost-effective at only $2,000/child.
Who’s Behind the Crate?
EduCrate was created by Robert A. Southworth, Jr., Ed.D, (resume attached). Dr. Southworth is the founder and president of The SchoolWorks Lab, Inc., a non-profit education research organization located in New York City. He has taught about improving K-12 schools at Teachers College, Columbia University and Bank Street College of Education, has worked with schools all over the United States, and has worked with several arts-based organizations funded by the Federal government and the State of New York. He created the website www.edspeak.org to help parents and teachers understand and make sense of education reform language, strategies, and issues. He specifically designed the EduCrate so that it can be easily used by educators around the globe.
The SchoolWorks Lab, Inc.
We can partner with any educational system to deliver new classrooms. We understand that all change, whether it involves classrooms or curricula, comes with a sense of “loss” in our clients (Fullan 2001). Our solutions are respectful of those we serve. Our curriculum, assessment and evaluation strategies are based in student performance and demonstration of learning, much like the standards for success in the real world (Southworth 1997-1998; Wiggins 1998; National Association of Secondary School Principals 2001; Southworth 2001). Our hope in delivering classrooms filled with new ideas is to connect teaching to Policy through research (Lagemann and Shulman 1999; Southworth 2004).
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