CMS Investment Study Group Report:

1. CMS Investment Study Group Report:

3. Education = Employment = Opportunity

4. Education = Employment and Opportunity

5. But, dropping out impacts more than just employment opportunities� Mortality rate (ages 24-65) for those with more than high school: 206/100,000 For those with less than high school: 650/100,000 And, dropouts 8x more likely to end up in jail 1 out of every 10 male dropouts between age 16-24 is incarcerated 75% of state prison inmates are high school dropouts Cost for offender in juvenile justice facility of $95,000 per year Cost for offender in prison of $27,000 per year

6. Lurking within the dropout statistics: An �achievement gap�

7. By 4th grade, a majority of Black & Latino students struggle to read a simple book

8. And the gap widens every year�

9. Resulting in large racial gaps in US high school graduation rates

10. Summary: Many low income Black/Latino children start school one year behind & fall further behind every year

12. Addressing gap locally helps country globally: US 15-year-olds trail in math & science

13. But, just spending more money isn�t the answer; investment must be coupled with policy changes and additional resources

14. Closing the Gap in Charlotte

15. CMS Overview: Over 135,000 Students 16,631 English as a Second Language 51% Economically Disadvantaged 3,225 pre-kindergarten students 146 languages spoken 160 countries represented

16. In Charlotte, call for innovative solutions to educational issues Private sector interested in equity & reducing achievement gaps Significant investments over the years from private philanthropy Geoffrey Canada discusses �zone� concept for Charlotte (early 2010) Levine and Spangler families begin dialogue Superintendent is approached by both families Potential funding opportunities are tossed around Levine & Spangler families approach other donors Additional foundations express interest FFTC assists with process & funding evaluation

17. Two Part Charge Develop a replicable model for closing the achievement gap and increasing graduation rates in CMS Schools Secure sufficient philanthropic resources to implement the model

18. What�s been done to date Six Study Group meetings Examined current CMS data and initiatives Met with national consulting organizations & experts Reviewed local & national models Large amounts of outside reading material Community engagement activities 5 community meetings with over 650 attendees Included parents, grandparents, business leaders, faith, youth, etc. Free viewing of �Waiting for Superman� facilitated by Mayor Foxx All supported key early decision: Narrow focus to a defined zone

19. CMS Overview: Graduation Rates 70% for all CMS students Highest graduation rates 92% Mallard Creek High School 92% Providence High School Lowest graduation rates 58% West Mecklenburg High School 52% Waddell High School 51% West Charlotte High School

20. The West Charlotte High School Corridor

21. Common themes emerged for the initiative: At the broad level Be bold and �out of the box� But, geographically focused, replicable and sustainable Ensure impact and measurable outcomes Think holistically about the needs in the area Coordinate with others where possible Sense of urgency

22. Common Themes: What Will Make a Difference on the Ground First & foremost: it�s about parents & community But, with �school based factors�, experts identify 3 things Great leaders Great teachers More time on task (out of school time + pre-K) From the community, the above plus: Access to technology Mentors & role models Access to other community resources

23. Coordinated approach required

24. Success requires leveraged collaborations

25. Investment Principles Inspire High expectations and personal responsibility Sense of honor for teachers & students Need to balance aspirations w/focus & sustainability Focus on measurable and results oriented programs But, retain flexibility to test innovative programs if merited Community collaborations & partnerships vital to success

26. Investment key indicators of success School attendance Includes consideration of behavioral incidents/suspensions Graduation and dropout rates Academic Achievement and grade progression End of grade & end of course proficiency rates measured at various levels

27. How the investment is linked to indicators Increases number of effective school leaders & teachers Provides more time on task (extended day/year) Increases access to early childhood instruction Increases access & effective use of technology Creates a culture of achievement & excellence

28. Four Targeted Areas for Investment Talent Effective teachers and leaders Time Extended learning time (day, year & pre-kindergarten) Technology Increased access & effective use of technology Community Support Engaged parents and motivating mentors/role models

29. Examples of Investment Opportunities Talent Attract/retain effective principals at every school Attract/retain great teachers & increase professional development Provide incentive/alternative compensation for performance Time Increase access to afterschool & summer school Increase support for pre-Kindergarten Community support Increase dropout prevention/resource coordinators Parent engagement & education/literacy services Technology Access to technology in school & at home; coupled with training

30. Proposed 5 Year Investments

31. Why leveraged collaborations are important Examples of other key supports: Vision and dental care Mental health Social services School based health care Arts and cultural programs Early childhood healthcare School facility enhancements

32. But, funding must be coupled with policy change Need to give public schools �charter school� flexibility If KIPP & others are models, give CMS same options Allow local discretion on extending the day/year Flexibility on human capital issues Malcolm Gladwell: If you could replace the lowest performing 6-10%, you could become top performing Reward great performers Provide development and training for others Minimize reliance on credentials and seniority

33. Project Status Funders reviewed plan, budgets and timeline Concerned about CMS budget cuts But, Superintendent endorsed investment priorities Considered full rollout in 2011 or delay until 2012 Developed hybrid implementation Funders signal intent by June 2011 Hire executive staff and begin policy work Complete plan development Implement in selected areas in 2011; full rollout in 2012

34. Funder considerations and contingencies Strong belief that plan only works with $55M in commitments Investors will monitor budget developments A number of initiative details remain to be decided Funds will be held at Foundation For The Carolinas Investors will sign off on final plan later this year No new nonprofit created New �Investor Board� created to provide oversight and accountability Board will include community representatives Project staff will report to Superintendent Paid for out of Project L.I.F.T. investment

35. Next Steps Work hard to secure pledges and partnerships Establish new oversightboard Hire Director Refine the plan Begin selected investments this year with full rollout in 2012

36. Thank You! For more information: Brian Collier Foundation For The Carolinas704.973.4556 bcollier@fftc.org