The foundation’s strategy weaves together three interdependent and mutually supportive strands, implementing them simultaneously, though to different degrees at different times:

District Engagement.

District leaders need time and resources to tackle critical challenges to student achievement. The foundation provides opportunities for its partner districts to work in tandem with experts in relevant fields to design solutions for effective teaching and learning. Our intent is that this collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach will lead not only to practical tools and approaches, but also to a cultural shift that enables districts to diagnose problems transparently, learn collectively and innovate continually.

Read more about the methodology of this component of the foundation’s strategy in Our Approach to Engaging with Districts.

Learning Network.

We believe the knowledge generated through the foundation’s engagements with partner districts can build a base of practical knowledge for district leaders across the country. Using communications technology and convening, the foundation will disseminate the lessons from our engagements beyond those participating districts, so that increasing numbers of our 5,000 target leaders may also benefit from thinking systemically, solving problems creatively and learning alongside others how to accelerate student achievement.

Marketplace Alignment.

Our research and development work in districts and the dissemination of knowledge through a learning network are not ultimately sustainable without broader changes to the contexts in which districts and states operate. Therefore, we will partner with others to inform public policy and increase incentives in the education marketplace for developers of innovative products and services that support district leaders in achieving significant gains in student achievement.