The NCS Impact: Shaping Futures, Empowering Schools
Redefining Education: Creating Lasting Impact for Students and Schools
We believe that, if educators change their practice to create positive, responsive learning environments, then students will have better classroom experiences, which will ultimately improve their academic outcomes. We engage principals and other leaders as professionals who can grow in their will, skill, and capacity to create and sustain thriving learning environments for adults and students. NCS works with district and school leaders who are interested in transforming their schools through professional learning, real-time and historical data, and relevant research. We recognize that students’ goals are as diverse and unique as they are—and that adults play a critical role in guiding students on their journey. Our work also centers student voice when partnering with schools to examine and improve each phase of the student experience.
Key Initiatives: Enhancing Leadership, Instruction, and Equity in Schools
Each year, NCS partners with school leaders to foster leadership skills, develop high-functioning educator teams focused on key metrics, and explicitly address issues of race and equity. In addition, NCS works with schools to 1) Improve instructional practices, 2) Support freshmen transitioning into high school, 3) Prepare students for quality postsecondary options and 4) Integrate research and data into daily practice to drive continuous improvement.
These workshops provide participants with opportunities to explore how to develop Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in their schools that focus on student achievement.
These workshops serve as a learning space to engage in challenging work around identity.
The National Freshman Success Institute is an immersive professional learning experience for high school administrators, educators, and staff to build and extend a foundation in equity-centered Freshman Success work
This network partners with a cohort of schools throughout Chicago, providing cross-school professional learning and job-embedded coaching aligned with our focus areas.
This network serves to increase the efficiency, impact, and collaboration between high schools and districts
This network works towards the high achievement of Black and Latinx 9th graders through racial equity work and continuous improvement.
NCS collaborates with districts and schools across the United States to meet the needs of educators and young people.
Ninth grade is a critical inflection point in a student’s ultimate trajectory. According to research from The University of Chicago, young people who do well in 9th grade (or freshman year) are 3x more likely to graduate from high school. More than just passing classes, our focus on “Bs or Better (increasing student GPA) opens possibilities for college enrollment.
NCS works intentionally with administrators, educators, counselors, and other school staff to shift perspectives and habits that will lead to conditions for student success.
We help schools explore their data through an honest, asset-based lens that recognizes strengths and acknowledges opportunities. Our approach translates research into action by sharing insights with schools in ways they can adapt into their everyday practices.
Our Coaches work with counselors and other educators to address common barriers in schools that keep students from achieving their postsecondary aspirations. NCS supports counselors in collecting student voice data to learn, directly from young people, how educators can improve the student experience and better support their postsecondary goals and aspirations.