Our Blog

01 Apr

Play + Tools = Authentic Learning

Most Atlantans would think twice before handing a hammer to a kid in a park with the suggestion, “go play!” Yet this is exactly what some parks are doing in Great Britain and increasingly here in the US. The belief that risk, authenticity and play go hand in hand is something most older grandparents might muse to the younger generation, entreating them with “in my day, and with nothing more than a stick and tire,

18 Mar

Partners in Education: Philanthropy as Locksmith

By Lesley Grady Partners in Education 2

1984, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Caught in one of the city’s epic snow storms, I stood in front of my sister’s empty home, seeking entry. After 30 frigid minutes twisting, jamming (and finally striking) my key into the lock, I was denied entry; unbeknownst to me, my sister had changed her locks. Two hours later, I arrived at my warm home, having learned a critical life lesson. Keys are only as good as the locks for which

27 Feb

Partners in Education: Libraries Create Connections

By Tom Brooks Third-Grade Reading 3

“I can finally see.” Those words spoken by Levi, one of the first young children to receive free eyeglasses from Vision To Learn (VTL) through mobile eye clinic visits at Cobb County Public Libraries, are a powerful message for underscoring the impact of our engagement with Learn4Life. Cobb Librarian Stacy Hill gave Levi his eyeglasses last summer after the first visit by the national non-profit in Cobb County. “This program is amazing!” Stacy wrote to

13 Feb

Partners in Education: Using Data as a Flashlight

By Christina De Giulio Data 5

Throughout our day, each of us receives, interprets, and utilizes data in making individual decisions – big and small, short- and long-term, personal and public. Thanks to technology, data is being collected in real-time and is accessible with a swipe of a screen at the speed of your network. With the vast amount of data available comes the need to synthesize that data, filter the noise, and unveil the stories that lie beneath the numbers.

28 Jan

Bright Spots in Early Literacy: Reach Out and Read Georgia

By Iyabo Ojikutu Third-Grade Reading 1

Early childhood lays the foundation for literacy skills The Learn4Life 3rd grade reading proficiency network recognizes the importance of building literacy skills long before students reach school. L4L has identified Reach Out and Read Georgia as a bright spot in early childhood education, and is proud to support their work. Reach Out and Read Georgia is an evidence-based nonprofit that partners with health care providers to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. By

17 Jan

Bright Spots in Post-Secondary Success: OneGoal

By Brooke Flowers Post-Secondary Success 1

Many Paths, One Goal Why this Metro Atlanta education nonprofit is rethinking life after high school graduation Four years of college, or bust. That used to be OneGoal’s way of thinking. Heck, it even used to be my way of thinking. After all, I was ranked third in my high school class; served as class president; had completed college classes in high school. So it’s probably safe to say I was always college-bound (Go, Blue

10 Jan

Bright Spots in Post-Secondary Success: College Advising Corps

By Jessica Robinson Post-Secondary Success 3

“Without my college adviser, I don’t think I’d be going to college. I was really unmotivated before. Ms. Reese has inspired me.” The College Advising Corps (CAC) works to increase the number of low-income, first-generation college, and underrepresented students who enter and complete higher education. CAC programs accomplish this by placing well-trained recent college graduates in high schools to work as full-time college advisers. In 2019 there are two university partners in Georgia: the University

14 Dec

Vision To Learn and Atlanta Hawks Partner to Provide Glasses to Students

By Rebecca Parshall Third-Grade Reading 3

More than sixty Toney Elementary students received free eyeglasses this week, thanks to a partnership between Vision To Learn and the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. Hawks players Kent Bazemore, Vince Carter, and Tyler Dorsey helped students put their new glasses on, while Harry the Hawk and the Hawks ATL Dancers cheered them on. After the students received their glasses, they participated in a basketball camp with the players. This event is part of a growing vision

26 Nov

Partners in Education: The Critical Role of the Business Community

By Tim Cairl Cradle to Career 2

Tim Cairl is the Director of Education Policy at The Metro Atlanta Chamber, and a member of Learn4Life’s Core Team. The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) has been engaging the business community in education and workforce development for many years. Our commitment to our schools has changed during that time from a sponsorship and advisory role to a much more interactive and forward-thinking one. Many businesses have sponsored local events, and some leaders even hold positions

12 Nov

Eighth-Grade Math Proficiency Factors

By Rebecca Parshall Eighth-Grade Math 1

Learn4Life’s networks rely on research-based factors to find successful practices across our region. With guidance from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ six principles for school mathematics, L4L identified twelve factors that affect proficiency in eighth grade mathematics. Through factor analysis activities, the network chose to focus on the first three–Teacher Effectiveness, School Culture, and Interventions–in order to identify bright spots. Teacher Effectiveness Teacher effectiveness—including teacher content knowledge, teaching conceptually rather than just procedurally,

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