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The READY Report
Spring 2024, Volume 1
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Welcome to the READY Report! In partnership with students, families, community stakeholders, and national experts, READY is actively working for our children.
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We are READY
READY, Inc. is a nonprofit with a mission to increase access to high-quality education for Rochester’s K-12 public school students. READY supports the design of schools that respond to our community's needs, and builds a robust ecosystem of support around schools with informed and engaged families, diverse and effective talent, and supportive policy.
Our goal is to triple the number of students in quality schools by 2032— from 3,000 to nearly 10,000. While ambitious, this goal would provide significantly more children with the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, breaking cycles of poverty, and positively contributing to society and the economy — all made possible by a quality education.
Our approach will not only create more quality schools but also create the foundation for radical, sustainable transformation of Rochester’s school systems.
With parents at the table, more effective local educators in classrooms, and school leaders launching schools that reflect what parents want for their children, we can accomplish our goal and sustain its impact. We have no time to waste - every student in Rochester needs and deserves access to a quality school.
Yours in service,
Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD
Founder and Executive Director
READY, Inc.
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What do you want to know about schools in Rochester? Check out the READY School Finder
Through a 3-month learning and design process, ten parents of school-age children in Rochester determined the ideal format, capabilities and data for the READY School Finder.
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The tool is designed to equip families with information they need in one place so they can find and evaluate schools in relation to their child and family’s needs. READY School Finder enables parents to filter the list of available schools according to preferences such as location, grade span, state performance designation, type of school, availability of specialized programs, and availability of before and after-school programs.
Since launching in October 2023, over 1,200 unique users have visited READY School Finder to access comprehensive data on Rochester's public schools.
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Parents taking ACTION
The READY Parent ACTION Academy (Activating Community To Innovate and Organize Now) empowers parents and caregivers to play an active and impactful role in shaping the educational landscape to improve Rochester’s schools. Nine Rochester parents are currently on the PAA learning journey. By the end of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to advocate for positive change in K-12 public education.
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Community-based School Design with Transcend Education | |
Our community-based school design initiative puts power in the hands of community members. In partnership with Transcend Education, Rochester’s families are envisioning the next generation of schools for our community. On Saturday, March 30 we held a “Reimagining Education in Rochester” community session where young people, educators, parents, and community members worked with Transcend and the READY Team to craft a collective vision for schools in Rochester that truly meet the needs of our community. But we don't stop there.
To bring this vision to life, we are launching the READY School Incubator - a game-changing leadership program designed for visionary educators. Over a six-month period, participants will collaborate with school innovation experts to refine and pilot a bold vision for a new school model right here in Rochester.
The opportunity will provide:
- Funding to pilot an initiative
- Expert guidance on school design
- Comprehensive support from an extensive professional network, connecting participants with forward-thinking educators locally and nationally.
If this opportunity sparks your interest, or if you'd like to learn more, check out the website at: https://bit.ly/READYSchools.
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Community members come together to reimagine Rochester schools | |
Community members gathered on Saturday afternoon for a workshop aimed at reimagining Rochester schools, where parents, educators, students, and local education leaders came together to share stories, experiences, and aspirations for the future. Ashara Baker, New York State director of the National Parents Union, emphasized the importance of including parents in discussions about education standards and quality, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts between parents, school administrators, teachers, and community members to create schools that meet the needs of both students and the community.
Source: 13WHAM
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Rochester organization helping parents find accessible, quality education | |
In Rochester, Maria Cruz, a former foster parent of nine with two biological children, found the search for the right school daunting due to her children's diverse needs. Seeking support, Cruz turned to READY, a nonprofit organization offering guidance to families navigating the educational landscape.
Source: Spectrum News 1
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READY Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Shanai Lee, introduced the READY School Finder and spoke about how the tool was developed by Rochester parents seeking information on the performance of our community's schools. The tool is aimed at supporting school systems and leaders by empowering parents and families.
Source: WHEC-TV
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Rochester Parent advocates launch new tool to ease process | |
A new online tool launched by parent advocates from READY and a city official aims to assist families in the Rochester City School District and area charter schools with school selection during the district’s school choice lottery.
Source: WXXI
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Are you READY for Quality Schools? Get involved!
Join READY at the following events hosted by some of our community partners:
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2nd Annual National Black Authors Day on May 4 at 11AM-2PM at The Avenue Blackbox Theatre
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Parent Leadership Advisory Council for the Rochester City School District on May 9 at 5:30-7:30PM at RISE Community School No. 106
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Action for a Better Community's Community Resource Fair on May 18 from 11AM-4PM at MLK Jr. Park
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MCFC's Youth & Family Wellness Conference on May 31 from 6-8PM at 1775 East Avenue (dinner provided, free admission)
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