Schools in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Public Schools initiated a systematic reform in 2008 under the No Child Left Behind law.  The systematic reform included the restructuring of over 20 schools in the district not meeting Annual Yearly Performance.  The focus of the reform has been the improvement and advancment of student achievment.  The following links provide background to the status of this reform.

Making Student Achievement the Focus:  A Five-Year Action Plan for the District of Columbia Public Schools
In October of 2008,  DCPS announced "There is a broad agreement that DCPS is failing most DC children and their families.  Despite pockets of excellence, the system's shortcomings are deep, widespread, and systematic.  Less than 15% of our students meet nationally recognized standards of proficiency in reading and mathematics, placing DC last in the nation.  Just over half of our students graduate from high school".  In this publication, DCPS further outlined its vision of success, expected outcomes for students, teachers, and parents, the six goals guiding the systemic reform and its committment to thoughtful and disciplined implementation.

DCPS Effective Schools Framework reflects the key focus areas for the DCPS reform and has been developed to ensure alignment with the DCPS Five-Year Strategic Plan and related Performance Plans.

All Students Succeeding: A Master Education Plan for A System of Great Schools is the core upon which DC's 5 Year Action Plan is based. Produed in February 2006 the Master Education Plan (MEP) offers a comprehensive, systemic response to challenges faces in the DC Public School System.