Guilford County Schools Recognized by Columbia University’s CPRL in New Project Featuring Bright Spot Districts

Guilford County, N.C. - Guilford County Schools (GCS) is featured in a new project called “All Systems Go: How Shared, High-Quality Curriculums are Helping School Districts Reach Higher, Together” by The Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) at Columbia University that spotlights a dozen bright spot school districts that made gains in reading and math through the adoption of high-quality curricula.

The project includes interviews and focus group research with leaders, educators, and families from GCS and in select districts across the country.

“The districts featured in ‘All Systems Go’ show that gap-closing growth in literacy and math is possible and provide a clear roadmap on how to make gains that directly shape student learning,” said Elizabeth Chu, executive director of CPRL at Columbia University. “Our aim is that other districts will learn from the successes so they can be emulated and more students benefit.”

The case study featuring GCS is titled “The Guilford Guarantee: How Guilford County Schools is delivering on its promise of quality instruction for all students” by accelerating learning for all students.” It explores the district’s commitment that every student will graduate prepared for life, college and career backed by rigorous core instruction in literacy and math.

Guilford’s impressive growth in reading and math performance proves that curriculum alone is not enough. What also matters is strong coaching, clear alignment, and systems designed to ensure that high-quality instruction is a daily reality.

“Our district's vision is to transform learning and life outcomes for all students — not some, not a few, but all. No matter your zip code, you get access to quality materials, resources, and support,” said the district's Chief Academic Officer Jusmar Maness.

CPRL’s project has featured a rolling release of case studies about districts driving positive change that will culminate in a final report released in late April.

The featured districts demonstrate how effective systems use high-quality curricula and aligned professional learning and assessments, as well as robust monitoring and improvement systems to continually improve.

The project is based on research funded by the Gates Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and the Robin Hood Learning & Technology Fund.

Visit www.itsallsystemsgo.org to learn more.