An Evaluation of the Public Schools of the District of Columbia is a comprehensive five-year summative evaluation report for Phase Two of an initiative to evaluate the District of Columbia's public schools. Consistent with the recommendations in the 2011 report A Plan for Evaluating the District of Columbia's Public Schools, this new report describes changes in the public schools during the period from 2009 to 2013. An Evaluation of the Public Schools of the District of Columbia examines business practices, human resources operations and human capital strategies, academic plans, and student achievement. This report identifies what is working well seven years after legislation was enacted to give control of public schools to the mayor of the District of Columbia and which areas need additional attention.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Context for School Reform in D.C.
3 Coordination, Efficiency, and Lines of Authority
4 Improving Teacher Quality
5 Learning Conditions
6 Outcomes
7 Synthesis, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendix A: Information Provided and Not Provided in Response to Committee Requests
Appendix B: Sample Interview Protocol
Appendix C: The Public Education Reform Amendment Act and Relevant Amendments
Appendix D: Information about the Functioning of the Education Agencies
Appendix E: Recommendations Regarding Special Education, American Institutes for Research
Appendix F: Student Outcomes: Detailed Data
Appendix G: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff