For Release Sunday, April 8, 2012
(c) 2012 Washington Post Writers Group
What can American communities really do to increase school achievement scores, to improve college graduation rates, and increase their prospects for a competitive niche in the 21st century global economy?
Educational theories and approaches abound. From teachers to administrators to foundations and corporate leaders, everyone claims to have a "right" approach. Choices range from early childhood to wellness programs, more computerized learning to certified teachers in all classrooms.
But one thing is too often missing -- teamwork -- the process of bringing all the skills of a city and region to bear on promoting what clear evidence shows truly succeeds, by objective measurements, to produce better academic results.
The good news is that the United States still has its inspired crusaders for change. One most certainly is Nancy L. Zimpher, former president of the University of Cincinnati, where in 2006 she co-founded "Strive" -- America's first network to push for in-depth regional education alliances, championing an exciting if highly challenging cause: "Every Child, Every Step of the Way, from Cradle to Career."
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