The READY Report

December 2024

READY to Talk


As we approach the end of the year, it’s critical to reflect on the progress we’ve made while building momentum for the challenges ahead. This month, we’re excited to feature National Parents Union New York State Director Ashara Baker in our ongoing Pass the Pencil series.


In this segment, Ashara highlights key findings from the National Parents Union’s annual report, Critical Condition: State of Education in New York. The report sheds light on persistent academic performance gaps affecting students across racial, economic, and linguistic lines, as well as those with disabilities. Ashara, a leading voice for education equity, dives deeper into these findings and discusses what they mean for our students and communities:


At READY, our mission is to ensure that all students have access to quality schools where they can thrive. We stand with the National Parents Union in calling for increased data transparency, greater accountability, and evidence-based solutions to address these disparities.


In this month's edition of the READY Report, we’re celebrating the successes we’ve achieved together while setting the stage for transformative work ahead. The READY School Finder is officially live, offering families a powerful tool to navigate the school selection process and make informed decisions for their children’s future. Meanwhile, the READY School Incubator fellows are gearing up for a creative learning showcase, where participants will share innovative ideas to expand access to quality schools. We’re also thrilled to announce the success of Bowling 4 STARS, which raised $25,000 for the READY STARS Scholarship Fund to build a pipeline of diverse educators who inspire and reflect the students they serve.


Together, we will ensure Rochester's children are prepared to succeed in college, career, and life.


Yours in service,

Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD 

Founder and Executive Director

READY, Inc.

READY School Finder is LIVE

Schedule a Lunch & Learn for Your Team TODAY!

CLICK HERE

The wait is over! The READY School Finder is now available. We have successfully completed our last round of beta testing for the latest version and this enhanced tool now enables users to compare up to THREE (3) schools side-by-side and explore NYS Approved Special Education Schools in the Western New York region. This will make it easier than ever for families to understand each school and make informed decisions about which one works best for their children.

This year's release coincides with the Rochester City School District's school selection process and the release of EdCeptional’s common application platform, GoodSchoolsRoc.org


In addition to comparing three options at once, users of the READY School Finder can also: 

  • Explore how schools are serving Rochester’s children.
  • Review academic programs and school options.
  • Access direct links to school websites and accountability data.
  • Learn how to register for public schools that best fit their children’s needs.
  • Explore NY State-approved special education schools, operated by private agencies, offering day and/or residential programs tailored to students with disabilities.


Want to learn more? We’re offering FREE Lunch and Learn sessions to employers and organizations who want a fun, interactive introduction to the READY School Finder. READY will provide lunch for up to 25 employees and, during the session, your team will learn how to navigate the READY School Finder to find the best schools for their children. Register here to receive more information about hosting a Lunch and Learn session.

READY School Incubator Update

📅 Date: December 15, 2024

🕛 Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: St. Mark’s & St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1245 Culver Road

📩 RSVP here: https://form.jotform.com/243341593431150



Are you READY to dream big for your child’s education? Join us for a dynamic session exploring innovative school designs for 5th-8th graders. This event brings together visionary education leaders who are redefining what learning can look like.


Featured Speakers: The READY School Incubator Fellows

  • Jasmine Mathis - Transformational school leader from Syracuse inspiring change.
  • Amber Powers - Accomplished Rochester educator and founding CEO of Tap Root, with a passion for excellence.
  • Jeremy Smith - Executive Director of Freedom Scholars Learning Center, leading future-focused education.
  • Katie Trepanier - Former RCSD principal and innovative educator shaping student and community success.


Special Guests:

Kyra Stephenson - Nature Mind Solutions, bringing JOY to learning.

Chris Widmaier - Rochester Ecology Partners, inspiring a love of nature in education.


Join us to explore what’s possible when education is designed to

engage, equip, and activate!

Bowling 4 STARS Scholarship Fundraiser

Our first annual Bowling 4 STARS scholarship fundraiser was a huge success and we are thankful to all of our sponsors, partners and donors. With the generous support of Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology and University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men along with other community partners, we raised $25,000 to fund the READY STARS Scholarship Fund which will be administered through the Urban League Black Scholars Program.


The Fund helps address the critical representation gap in local education by helping set the foundation for a pipeline of diverse talent. The scholarship helps future educators of color by investing in African-American high school graduates from the Rochester City School District and area charter schools to pursue careers in education.


Presented by Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology and University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men, the scholarship fundraiser was made possible by a powerful coalition of partners, including:


We're building a more diverse and effective teaching workforce, ensuring that every student has access to educators who inspire.

READY Reading Room: Fueling Dialogues in Education!

It’s the holidays– the perfect season for cozying up with a warm drink and the latest research out of the educational world. Below are some articles and reports that have caught the attention of READY’s team:



ICYMI!

Missed a past edition or just want to revisit a project update? Below is a convenient list of our recent newsletters for you to re-read or easily share! 

 

Check out recent newsletters at www.ready4schools.org/news-and-media and below:

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