Academy for Educational Development

Recognizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to school reform, the New York City Department of Education developed a new approach to assisting schools in an effort to improve student achievement. And AED will be part of it.

Starting in the summer of 2007, schools will have the opportunity to work with the Department’s Empowerment Schools Initiative, with a Learning Support Organization directed by one of four regional superintendents, or with one of nine specially selected Partnership Support Organizations, or PSOs. The New York City Department of Education announced recently that AED will be one of its new PSOs for the city’s public schools.

“The AED PSO will focus on middle schools and will use the programs and practices of our successful Middle Start program to improve teaching and learning,” said Patrick Montesano, vice president and director of the AED Center for School and Community Services.

During the next several weeks Montesano will meet with principals at six or more "fairs" in all boroughs to discuss the Middle Start approach to school reform.

“We have a deep experience in middle-grades education, and a proven set of strategies that schools in New York City and elsewhere have been using to improve learning and raise achievement for all their students—including students in special education, English-language learners, struggling students, and the high performers,” said Montesano.

AED plans to create a small network of only 10 schools that will work closely together to help one another strengthen middle-grades education by improving professional development, examining the needs and strengths of students, and engaging parents and others in supporting student learning.