GFE Co-Sponsors “New Directions for Philanthropy in the 21st Century”

Because grantmakers rely on educational research to drive informed funding decisions, GFE is pleased to co-sponsor, “From Vertical to Lateral Learning: New Directions for Philanthropy in the 21st Century,” a series of special sessions convened by the Education and Philanthropy Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Presentations by Tony Bryk, John Easton, Jeannie Oakes, Ellen Lagemann and other leaders in the field will cover topics including how philanthropic investments across the education pipeline can strengthen workforce preparedness; the intersection of philanthropy, government and education research; and how funders can refine assessment and program activities to deepen learning among grantmakers and grantseekers. The sessions are part of the AERA annual conference, April 30-May4 in Denver. Learn more and register for the AERA conference.

Sunday May 2, 2:15 - 3:45 pm

New Directions & New Possibilities in Philanthropy

• Tony Bryk, President, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
• John Easton, Institute for Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.
• Chair and Discussant: Warren Simmons, Annenberg Institute for School Reform

The session spotlights the intersection of philanthropy, government and education, as well as the development of an expanded educational research role in the current federal education reform agenda.

Sunday, May 2 - 6:15pm - 7:45pm

Beyond the Effectiveness Paradox:  Moving Towards New Learning for Grant Makers & Grant Seekers

• Jeannie Oakes, Ford Foundation
• Ellen Lagemann, Bard College
• Chair and Discussant: Kent McGuire, Temple University

Panelists debate and refine new  models for success, beyond the vertical and static to the lateral and dynamic.  This session is of particular interest to grant makers  whose foundations are advancing and refining their work in assessment and knowledge and program  development.

Reception to follow

Monday, May 3 - 10:35am - 12:05pm

4-Roundtable Sessions: From Vertical to Lateral Learning: New Directions for Philanthropy in the 21st Century

• The Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening US Workforce Preparedness and Global Contributions Through Investments in PreK-16 Education Reform (Robin Lasato, University of Washington)
• Evaluation in Support of Foundation Decision Making: An Example from an Omaha Reading Program. (Theresa Deussen, NREL; Caitlin Scott, Education Northwest; Kathryn Weitz White, Northwestern University; Arthur Burke, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory)
• Increasing Prosocial Behavior Among African American Students:  A Case Study of the National Pre-Alumni Council of the UNCF. (Noah Daniel Drezner, University of Maryland-College Part)