Founded in 2005 by a coalition of Oregon’s largest philanthropic foundations, Chalkboard worked with partners across the state of Oregon to advocate for the revival and revision of a statewide mentorship program for new educators, published several key research reports and best practices papers, and launched a website to bolster public understanding of what was happening in Oregon schools. They invested in pilot projects in school districts throughout the state, and have seen much of their work adopted into state policy managed by the Oregon Department of Education.
At the end of 2019, they were looking at the disparities that exist for students of color and for rural communities. Their goal going forward is to use their experience with advocacy, convening, research, and storytelling in new ways to radically accelerate progress for children and families.
Worth watching and employing as a model for reform in other regions and states.