Coherence is a mindset and collective approach that consciously addresses silos and bias in public education. The Coherence Lab coaches school system and state education agency executives and middle managers to develop more capable, coherent and resilient organizations. The Coherence Hub provides free, research-based and field-tested tools that education leaders need to address fragmentation, strengthen coherence and improve outcomes for all kids. The Coherence Framework, Toolkit, and Assessment are a product of our partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Access Coherence LabEducation First is a seasoned team of trusted advisors to the leaders responsible for delivering what many Americans want most: public education that effectively prepares all students for success in college, careers and a world of constant change.
Education First partnered with Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) to refine the organization’s strategic priorities and learning agenda to set the stage for continued innovation, growth, learning and impact towards removing barriers to students’ access to rigorous coursework.
Education First facilitated the North Carolina Racial Equity and Social Impact in Education Community of Practice consisting of a group of 15 philanthropists and social impact agents who came together to ask what it would take to move the philanthropic and social impact landscape in North Carolina so that it operates with a racial equity and racial justice lens. Participants identified several areas to prioritize for collective visioning and action. Education First conducted a landscape scan to elevate the challenges that NC education leaders face, as well as the supports they need, when advancing a focus on racial equity in education.
We developed a three-year strategic plan with the Policy Innovators in Education (PIE) Network (PIE Network), which included deep engagement with all staff and the Board, network members and funders. The plan articulated significant growth in services and policy generation for members and how the staff and fundraising could grow as well. When COVID closed schools, PIE was able to accelerate the plan implementation and accomplished the plan’s goals in just two years. We refreshed the strategy with PIE in 2022 to continue the network’s strong momentum.
The University of St. Thomas and St. Paul Public Schools partnered to design a district-operated “lab school” that incorporates promising practices for addressing the needs of all students while also prioritizing a focus on preparing and developing effective teachers. The design of this school incorporated a shared vision for K12 curriculum and teacher preparation. Education First led a multi-pronged user-centered design approach, engaged stakeholders and conducted research to develop a strategic plan that guided and informed the school’s design.
