Knowledge From the Field

Closing the Achievement Gap: Getting to Results

Published: January 2008

Publisher(s): Annie E. Casey Foundation

Author(s): Read, Tory

Funder(s): Annie E. Casey Foundation

View Report (8 pages; 666KB; PDF)

Area of focus: Low-Performing Schools

Abstract

The report provides an overview of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s education program and its framework for grantmaking and program-related investments. It outlines Casey’s results measurements system and offers recommendations for other foundations looking to build their own. The report includes examples of grants to build capacity and develop assessment structures for grantees, and it highlights some of the grantees’ personal experiences with goals development and assessment creation. The report also summarizes some of the positive results of Casey’s education-focused grantmaking programs that can be found in their Closing the Achievement Gap report series.

Key Findings and/or Recommendations

+ Using the results management framework developed by the foundation, Casey has observed and documented a number of improvements in schools across the U.S.

= Results tracking can help guide strategic decisions in grantmaking and investments and evaluate programs already in place.

= When developing a framework, ensure the intended results are clear.

= Grantees/stakeholders should be involved in developing a performance measurement system.

= Grantmakers/stakeholders need to be able to understand the logic of the measurement system.

= Tools should be tested to ensure they work for all parties.

= A successful measurement system may take years to fully develop.

= “Knowledge managers” are useful for organizations that are looking to learn from their experiences to improve programs and activities.

Geographic Focus: National

Subjects/Keywords: Low-performing schools; school reform; community; family; program-related investments; PRIs; capacity-building

+ Successful strategy
= Observation
– Challenge