AF believes that outstanding teaching requires great curriculum -- and that great curriculum requires thoughtful, detailed long-term planning. One resource we use to support our teachers with unit planning is the Understanding by Design Professional Development Workbook. Check it out: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/103056.aspx

Since AF is dedicated to coaching and growth, we're always looking for new ways to get even better. We think Lesley University's Literacy Coach Workshop might have some really great ideas. It will take place July 20-23 in Cambridge, MA: http://www.lesley.edu/crr/rr_coaching_4day.html

We are extremely proud of our AF orchestras. Here is AF Bushwick Middle playing "Superstition" -- enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1JfRs9pEcQ

100% of Achievement First seniors are heading to college this fall! Check out this video of the "Signing Day" celebration: http://www.vimeo.com/11964666

Please go see "The Lottery" this week -- now playing on screens across the nation. "The Lottery" makes the case that any child, given the right educational circumstances, can succeed. Listings: http://www.screenvision.com/s/showing/TheLottery/

The New Haven Register documents in a video the inaugural season for our Amistad-Elm City High varsity basketball program. http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2010/03/14/sports/doc4b9c453725d49615286002.txt

We are very lucky to have great supporters. Harold Kamins is riding across the U.S. to raise money for AF Bridgeport Academy. He was in Texas on Tuesday and has about 2,000 miles to go (and has raised over $16,000 so far!). Thank you, Harold! Read his blog: http://bikeforafbridgeportacademy.blogspot.com/

What Educators Are Learning From Money Managers

Innovative schools collect data, look for small changes, intervene quickly and move resources to the formulas that work.
By Daniel Fisher

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0607/education-achievement-first-charters-learning-from-money-managers.html?partner=email

As Achievement First has grown from our flagship Amistad Academy in 1999 to 17 college-preparatory academies serving students in grades K to 12 across central Brooklyn and in three cities in Connecticut, we have become increasingly systematic about gathering data on how our AF Team & Family feels about their connection to the mission of their work, how satisfied and motivated they are with their work environment, and how they are growing and learning in their roles. We *could* choose to be an organization that focuses with t...

Leadership Opportunities With Achievement First Virtual Information Session
April 6; 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. EST
Hosted by Liz Mitha, Director of Recruitment, Connecticut

We know that effective school leaders have a significant impact on school culture and student achievement, which is why we invest so much into developing strong leaders. Join us to learn about our unique leadership opportunities and hear from current school leaders about their daily lives within our network. Liz Mitha will discuss opportunitie...