District of Columbia

Education: Excellent Opportunities for Quality Lifelong Learning

Education is the most important promise a society makes to its citizens. A high-quality education is fundamental to one's success and well-being and is critical for effectively participating in a democratic society.

	Create the position of Deputy Mayor for Education to make the education of our children a top priority for the Fenty Administration		Introduce legislation to improve public schools accountability
	Develop a multi-year plan with milestones for providing voluntary, quality early childhood education to all three- and four-year olds in a variety of settings		Reaffirm commitment to using the existing Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Early Childhood Development (MACECD) to drive systemic quality improvement
	Support the development and implementation of a strategy to increase the number of certified early childhood education and childcare facilities		Idenfity strategies and partners to support and enhance DCPS' ability to focus on student achievement
	Review existing initiatives and capital projects to reduce duplication and increase interagency collaboration		Develop framework for an Interagency Collaboration and Services Integration Commission to address the needs of at-risk children through a comprehensive integrated service delivery system
	Accelerate the implementation of a unified student tracking and data sharing system		Develop a business plan for the launch of a new Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education for citizen concerns and timely responses
	Explore incentives or rewards for high quality principals and teachers		Explore alternatives for the Mayor to accelerate repair and modernization of DCPS facilities, including a targeted initiative aimed at reducing the maintenance backlog
	Fill Mayor-appointed positions on the Schools Modernization Advisory Committee		Develop implementation plan with timeline for making unused school facilities available to public charter schools
	Explore strategies for minimizing the need for special education through effective early intervention		Continue consulting with the State Advisory Panel on Special Education for strengthening special education services
	Support a comprehensive, citywide strategy for Out of School Time programs, including public schools, community organizations, funders and other entities inside and outside the government		Explore strategies for increasing parent and community involvement in education, including diverse immigrant communities
	Work with institutions of higher education, college access providers and other community partners to develop an action plan supporting the citywide goal of "doubling the numbers" of DC high school students graduating from college		Work with the Board of Trustees and President of the University of the District of Columbia to identify key ways for the DC government to support improvements at the university
	Review current government investments in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce training to identify gaps in programs and to recommend adjustments that will ensure investments are aligned with career opportunities		Explore opportunities for enhancing effectiveness of the Workforce Investment Council
	Develop a strategy for supporting and enhancing adult education, ranging from adult literacy and language skills to job skills training		Hold an interagency summit to bring together youth-serving agencies and their constituents, in coordination with DYRS “Reconnecting Disconnected Youth” component (90 days)
	Identify private and non-profit groups to make meaningful investments in DC schools and parks (6 months)		Develop a comprehensive adult illiteracy elimination plan (1st year)