DC VOICE's model of school reform is unique and trailblazing.We involve the entire community-students,parents,the general public, neighborhood associations, faith and nonprofit institutions, as well as school administators, teachers, and public officials- in the reform process. Engaging the public is central to our work and essential to improving the conditions for quality education. It is a highly effective way to hold both the schools and the community accountable for providing high quality teaching and learning for all students.
Do D.C. students have what they need to be successful in school and prepare for college? Each year, DC VOICE's pioneering Ready Schools Project mobilizes community volunteers to visit over 100 DC public schools to conduct audits on their readiness to educate its students.Volunteers interviwe students,teachers, and pricipals for data on the conditions and supports for quality teaching and learning .
We then bring the public together in a series of town hall meetings to discuss the findings from the Ready Schools Project and plan a course of action.These town hall meeting empower all community stakeholders to critically examine the data and use it to intiate and monitor reform at the classroom, school, policy, and district levels.
DC VOICE uses the data generated from our projects to produce a wellspring of political pressure that influences policy and creates change. Our members, volunteers, partners, staff, and board members organize community outreach events, engage the media, and testify at hearings before District Council and elected officials.
