Our Ventures’ Impact in 2020

by NewSchools Venture Fund staff

2020 has been a year of challenge and change. Routines have been upended, we’ve faced an ongoing public health crisis, confronted systemic racial injustice across our communities and survived a grueling political season that resulted in a historic election.

Throughout all of this there have been many moments of uncertainty and confusion, but there is also opportunity and hope. Schools across the country have been forced to pivot to new ways of teaching, and students have adjusted to new ways of learning. Along the way, we’ve witnessed the innovation and tenacity of students and parents, teachers and school leaders.

Nothing gives us greater hope or optimism than the actions our partners and ventures are taking to support students and families in these uncertain times. At the core of our work, NewSchools is committed to finding and supporting diverse innovators who are committed to educational equity. There is no moment better suited to embrace this cause.

As we look to the new year, we want to take a moment to share some of the stories from our ventures that were featured in the press in 2020 because of their dedication to their students. We hope these stories inspire you like they inspired us.

Cajon Valley Union School District profiled in The New York Times:
How One District Got Its Students Back Into Classrooms
Cajon Valley Union School District was prepared for the challenges of distance learning when the pandemic hit: they had laid the groundwork for the past seven years by supplying every student with a laptop and providing training for teachers on high-tech classrooms. When the pandemic arrived, listening to families and teachers allowed the school to thoughtfully, and safely, reopen their schools in the fall.

Comp Sci High featured in Vox:
4 ways to make remote learning better for everyone
Comp Sci High shares an in-depth look at how they adjusted to distance learning to make sure their students didn’t fall behind this school year, from ensuring families have food on the table to fostering strong (virtual) relationships between students and teachers.

Van Ness Elementary featured on NBC:
Social and emotional learning are the keys to success at this school
Van Ness Elementary students kick off their day with a “Strong Start,” blending social and emotional learning to drive students’ focus, develop their social aptitude, and encourage emotional growth. Through stretching, breathing exercises, and guided reflection and activities, students are grounded to their tasks for the day while expanding their emotional and social competencies.

Phoenix International Academy in The New York Times:
Using Technology to Tailor Lessons to Each Student
Last year, Phoenix International Academy in Phoenix, AZ brought in the Teach to One 360 program, a personalized learning model, to help their students succeed in math. The program provides customized lessons for each student with daily math instruction, giving each student the ability to work at their own pace.

InquirED profile in Forbes:
This Entrepreneur Already Is Where Education Will Be
Shanti Elangovan, the founder of inquiry based education company InquirED, was profiled in Forbes. Her experience as a public school teacher in the Bronx inspired her to create a teaching framework rooted in helping students follow a learning roadmap based on their own interests and curiosities.

Zeta Charter Schools & Sojourner Truth School featured in EdSurge:
Data That Educators Need to Reopen Schools Isn’t Coming. So They’re Collecting It Themselves
Zeta Charter Schools in New York City shared their journey to reopening for school in the fall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, including creating a community-focused data dashboard to track local cases and sharing these strategies with other school leaders. Sojourner Truth School in DC found these ideas helpful and also sought local guidance when determining how to offer in-classroom learning in the fall. NewSchools partner Miho Kubagawa also shares insight about the type of information schools are looking for and how charter schools are well-suited to be adaptable in the current environment.