National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching

National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching is a renowned research and development organization focused on improving K-12 education in the United States. Founded by Teachers College, Columbia University and led by prominent educators like Thomas Sobol and Linda Darling-Hammond, the center aims to enhance student achievement and teacher effectiveness through innovative school reform strategies. The center's work is informed by research from institutions like the National Education Association, American Educational Research Association, and RAND Corporation. Collaborations with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and Ford Foundation have also shaped the center's initiatives.

● Overview

The National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching is dedicated to understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing public education in the United States. By examining successful models from schools like KIPP and High Tech High, the center identifies best practices for teacher professional development, curriculum design, and school leadership. The center's research is influenced by the work of prominent educators, including Diane Ravitch, Alfie Kohn, and Deborah Meier, and is informed by studies from institutions like the Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, and National Center for Education Statistics. The center's findings are disseminated through publications like the Journal of Educational Psychology and Educational Researcher, and are used to inform policy decisions at the U.S. Department of Education and National Governors Association.

● History

The National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching was established in the 1990s, a period of significant education reform in the United States. The center's founding was influenced by the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which emphasized the need for accountability and standards-based education. The center's early work was shaped by collaborations with organizations like the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Council of Chief State School Officers. The center's research and development efforts have been supported by funding from organizations like the Annenberg Foundation, Gates Foundation, and Lumina Foundation, and have been recognized by awards from the National Staff Development and Training Association and American Educational Research Association.

● Research and Programs

The National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching conducts research on a range of topics, including teacher education, school leadership, and education policy. The center's research is informed by studies from institutions like the National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, and American Institutes for Research. The center's programs, such as the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future and the School Redesign Network, provide support for school reform efforts and teacher professional development. The center's work is also influenced by research from organizations like the Center for American Progress, Education Trust, and National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Collaborations with institutions like the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stanford Graduate School of Education, and University of Wisconsin–Madison have also shaped the center's research and programs.

● Organization and Leadership

The National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching is led by a team of experienced educators and researchers, including Thomas Sobol and Linda Darling-Hammond. The center is organized into several departments, including research, development, and policy, and is supported by a network of advisory boards and partnerships with organizations like the National Education Association, American Educational Research Association, and Council of Chief State School Officers. The center's leadership is informed by the work of prominent educators, including Diane Ravitch, Alfie Kohn, and Deborah Meier, and is influenced by research from institutions like the Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, and National Center for Education Statistics.

● Impact and Initiatives

The National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching has had a significant impact on education reform efforts in the United States. The center's research and development initiatives have informed policy decisions at the U.S. Department of Education and National Governors Association, and have shaped the work of organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and Ford Foundation. The center's initiatives, such as the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future and the School Redesign Network, have provided support for school reform efforts and teacher professional development. The center's work has been recognized by awards from the National Staff Development and Training Association and American Educational Research Association, and has been influenced by collaborations with institutions like the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stanford Graduate School of Education, and University of Wisconsin–Madison.

● Criticisms and Controversies

The National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching has faced criticisms and controversies related to its research and development initiatives. Some critics, including Diane Ravitch and Alfie Kohn, have argued that the center's emphasis on standards-based education and accountability has led to an over-reliance on high-stakes testing and teacher evaluation systems. Others, including Deborah Meier and Ted Sizer, have argued that the center's initiatives have not done enough to address issues of equity and social justice in public education. The center's response to these criticisms has been informed by research from institutions like the National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, and American Institutes for Research, and has been shaped by collaborations with organizations like the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Council of Chief State School Officers.