Overview
CEC worked with Marquardt School District, a northwest suburban elementary district in DuPage County about 25 miles west of Chicago, for a period of 13 years, to build capacity each year for the district to solve its own problems. In the early years, CEC helped the district, school board, and teachers union work together using Interest-Based Bargaining and establishing collaborative structures such as District and School Partnership Councils. Over time, the focus shifted toward classroom practice, with detailed school assessments, support for curriculum development, and training to establish Professional Learning Communities.
Client: Marquardt School District 15
Impact Area: Building capacity in a district to improve student and teacher success
Related Services: IBB; Labor Management Collaboration Strategic Planning PLCS
Download the report to learn more about how CEC responded when the superintendent in Marquardt School District reached out because the district was experiencing a rapid demographic shift, with shifting populations and an increase in low-income families. The district was also facing a major financial crisis that was hampering contract negotiations. An atmosphere of distrust permeated every attempt to move forward.
CEC’s involvement helped Marquardt to not only make great strides in improving student achievement and closing the achievement gap, but it also created a sustainable collaborative culture that enabled it to continue the work into the future.