Agency Description: The Center for School Change (CSC) is a program of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. CSC's mission is to work with "educators, parents, business people, students, policy-makers and other concerned people throughout the United States to increase student achievement, raise graduation rates, improve student attitudes toward learning, their schools, and their communities, and strengthen communities through building stronger working relationships among educators, parents, students and other community members." Center for School Change moved to Macalester College in 2010.

Project Description: CSC has produced a number of reports on educational and school change topics to help create more effective models of education, support educational reform, and stimulate change in local, state and federal institutions.

ACET services: The CSC conducted three studies with ACET. Our contributions included data collection, statistical analysis, report writing, and presentation of three projects for CSC. A description of the three projects follow:

• In 2007, the CSC reviewed assessment and accountability measures of 31 charter schools across 8 states. The study addressed three questions: (1) How are charter schools assessing student achievement; (2) What are charter schools doing to meet accountability requirements; and (3) Are charter schools improving student achievement?

• In 2008, the CSC and the Minnesota Extension Service collaborated to examine the quality of teacher preparation in Minnesota. The study surveyed over 1,100 public school administrators about teacher quality and preparation. Specific recommendations were shared with the Minnesota State Legislature and the Minnesota Department of Education.

• In 2008, the CSC conducted a study to examine the supply and demand of teachers by licensure areas in Minnesota.

Three documents co-authored by President Stella Zimmerman (maiden name was Cheung) were published:

Citations

Cheung, S, & Nathan, J. (1998). Making a Difference? Charter Schools, Evaluation and Student Performance. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Center for School Change.

Nathan, J., Cheung, S., & Hare, D. (1998). Improvements are needed: Minnesota principals, superintendents, and parent/community advocates assess teacher preparation. In G. L. Cunningham (Ed.), Just in time research: Children, Youth & Families. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Extension.

Nathan, J., Hare, D., & Cheung, S. (1999). Asking the right questions: Minnesota teacher supply and demand. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Center for School Change.

 Please visit the Center for School Change's website for more information about its publication.

Date of Service: 1997-1999