What We Do

We're building a strategic, collaborative network and the will for change.

We know that it is not enough merely to present a new framework for education. We must engage with others in conversation, and we must be humble enough to know that we do not have all the answers. Our strategy includes building dialogue and collaborate with others to develop a robust partnership representing all sectors of society. We fulfill this by face-to-face and social networking, connecting with individuals and schools in diverse communities, and partnering with key organizations and educational leaders. We offer membership to groups who want to become an official part of a network for educational transformation.

We're showing off the bright spots in education.

IDEA is committed to showcasing what's working in education, in our Eduvation Library, in our Facebook showcase, and through our Innovation Tours. Like curators at a museum, we spotlight the schools, projects, and educators that we believe deserve an audience. Help us build our resource database by sending us any information on education that you'd like others to know about.

We're organizing in communities around the country.

There are thousands of organizations, activists, teachers, youth, principals, and policy makers working on education reform that gives youth more power and moves us closer to a more just and democratic society. However, too much of that work happens in silos with folks competing for resources rather than collaborating. IDEA seeks to fuel the small fires that already exist to generate a larger, more credible, and more potent capacity to make real and substantial change. Each year, we recruit a team of community organizers who focus on local, regional, or national change efforts in education. Our digital organizers create a broad online network that strengthens our on-the-ground network.

We're providing guidance to schools and communities that are committed to change.

IDEA is actively working with schools and community groups who would like our guidance and support as they improve the quality of education for their youth. These groups can hire our team for consulting.

We're connecting national change efforts to international efforts.

By connecting with trailblazing schools and educational leaders from other countries, we are participating in the movement to change the nature of education around the world. IDEA will attend the 2011 International Democratic Education Conference (IDEC) and is a co-organizer of the 2012 IDEC in Puerto Rico, along with Nuestra Escuela.

Find out how you can get involved in our work.