NARRATOR
Schools of choice, such as charters and magnets, are part of an ecosystem of high-quality educational options that meet the unique needs of students and families. WestEd works nationwide to strengthen the quality of school choice programs, and we work closely with local teams to increase equitable access to schools of choice.
We conduct rigorous evaluations to determine the impact of choice programs and to support their continuous improvement. Bringing a wide range of expertise and topics, we also work to enhance the knowledge and capacity of leaders within the choice ecosystem.
At the federal level, WestEd partners with the U.S. Department of Education to monitor the implementation of charter school program grants across the country. Collaborating with state education agencies and charter authorizers, we develop training and resources for supporting and authorizing charter schools.
JOHN CARWELL, JR., EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATE, CHARTER SCHOOL OFFICE, DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
I look at the charter sector as the research and development arm of the education sector, so we’re looking to push the envelope in terms of quality and innovation. And I believe that WestEd fits perfectly with that in terms of pushing my thinking, pushing our office’s thinking to address issues in a way that we haven’t always done and in new ways so that we can think differently about how we improve outcomes for students and families.
DAVID FRANK, CHIEF OF STAFF/ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
WestEd was able to bring national expertise and research to the problems of practice that we are looking to solve right here in New York. WestEd not only brought that national expertise, but they took the time to understand our local situation and were right there with us in helping us to build the connections, the trust, and the expertise to best serve students here in New York. We just couldn’t have done this work as easily or as quickly without the support of WestEd and their incredible team.
NARRATOR
WestEd is a trusted, nonpartisan, research-based partner, supporting charter magnet and other schools of choice to ensure they meet the diverse needs of students, families, and communities. Join us in supporting high-quality school choice programs in communities across the country. Learn more about our work and how we can support your district, state, or charter network at www.wested.org/school-choice.