Here's what's up with IDEA, and what's still to come.

• Show off the bright spots
  IDEA is committed to showcasing what's working in education. Like curators at a museum, we will review and bring front and center the schools, projects, and educators that deserve a larger audience. Help us build our resource database by sending us any information on education that you'd like others to know about.


• Organize in communities around the country
  There are thousands of organizations, activists, teachers, youth, principals, and policy makers working on educational 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.

This effort begins with calling on the best organizers amongst us. Is that you? Check out our call for organizers and consider submitting a proposal or share this opportunity with talented colleagues or friends you might take an interest.


• Begin to consult and train
  In late October 2010, IDEA will introduce its initial team of school and learning city consultants. IDEA will begin actively working with schools, youth, and communities who want on-the-ground support and guidance to make credible and meaningful changes. IDEA will also provide one-time workshops that provide tools and support to educators, young people, and organizations about democratic education.



Ready now? Contact Research and Policy Director Dana Bennis to begin discussing next steps.

• Continue to build a collaborative network
  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. This second strategy step aims to build dialogue and collaborate with others to develop a robust partnership representing all sectors of society. We fulfill this by creating a dynamic website, using viral technology and social networking, connecting with individuals and schools in diverse com- munities, and partnering with key organizations and educational leaders. Through the use of blogs, question forums, a news feed, discussions, and social networking, we are joining with people around the nation in a dialogue about learning.


• Make some noise
  IDEA will follow the release of its first video with a policy paper on the state of democratic education, the first annual review of research and reform efforts that provides both assessment and recommendations for education reformers. The report will highlight potential in areas where democratic education has clear impact: reduction in dropout rate and violence, increases in student engagement, and greater teacher enthusiasm and commitment.


Make international connections
By connecting with pioneering schools and educational leaders from other countries, we gain valuable knowledge to inform IDEA's efforts and join the movement to change the nature of education around the world. IDEA will serve as the U.S. Ambassador for The Big Dance, an international initiative to transform cities into learning communities. This will have IDEA working with Aprendiz in Brazil, Nuestra Escuela in Puerto Rico, the Institute for Democratic Education in Israel and many others to coordinate international learning tours, workshops, and engaging with mayors who want to bring learning beyond the traditional four walls of schools and classrooms.