Chicago International's distinct organizational structure allows educators to focus on student assessment and growth while the network office functions like a district office. We base our decisions on empirical evidence and manage our schools through performance evaluation. To implement these systems, we focus on five key areas as core competencies:
Accountability & Student Achievement: Chicago International is developing a robust educational management system. With design input from national research and education management organizations (EMOs), the system will include the technology to: (a) support the evaluation, analysis, and modification of teaching practices; (b) track individual and aggregate student, campus, school, and EMO data over time; and (c) implement rubrics that assess EMO and teacher effectiveness.
Program/Foundation Model: With per pupil funding equivalent to only 85 percent of traditional Chicago Public Schools, Chicago International must focus constantly on fiscal efficiency. Our system includes a strong capital strategy, minimized costs, and shared expansion risk with EMO partners. Chicago International will continue to advocate for equitable funding from government sources. Our model has inherent efficiencies: We subcontract with EMOs to provide most daily operations and services, while Chicago International assumes responsibility for facilities management, compliance reporting, and system accountability.
Facilities Management: Fiscal efficiency extends to facilities planning and management. Chicago International campuses are located intentionally in low-income neighborhoods where appropriate facilities are difficult to find. In FY 2006, Chicago International instituted proactive budget forecasting for expansion and maintenance activities as well as for competitive assessment of contractors.
Communications, Advocacy, and Public Relations: Board and staff members are involved in local, state, and national activities; planning and evaluation committees; and legislative discussions that affect all schools of choice in Illinois. Better data and improved student success will enhance relations with the community, the district, and regional policy makers.
EMO Relationship: An essential element of the model is Chicago International's partnership with EMOs. Chicago International is implementing a collaborative relationship in which each EMO and Chicago International work together to implement and manage ever-tightening evaluation/analysis/modification loops tied to performance objectives. The contract is a performance-based agreement between Chicago International and the EMO partner, which fosters joint efforts and information-sharing that rewards outcomes that exceed expectations.