Academy For Urban School Leadership

Programs: Teaching academies and teacher development - academy for urban school leadership (ausl) created the chicago teacher residency program, which prepares new, highly effective teachers using an innovative approach based on an intense, full-year apprenticeship of learning and training with a mentor teacher. The program is based in neighborhood chicago public schools (cps) managed by ausl. During the program, residents take master's level coursework, earn a degree from a university partner, and become eligible for an illinois educator license (if not already licensed). Upon completion of the program, as teachers in cps schools, the graduates become part of a growing resource of specially trained teachers prepared to dramatically improve chronically underperforming chicago public schools. As of june 2017, ausl has trained over 1000 teacher residents committed to teaching in high-poverty areas in chicago. Ausl continues to provide teacher professional development for teachers across the ausl network of 31 schools, including individualized coaching and school-based, network-wide professional development programs. These highly effective teachers serve over 16,000 students.

school management - the board of education of chicago public schools selects failing schools in need of critical transformation and contracts with ausl to manage the process on its behalf. Ausl executes a rigorous, comprehensive and proven whole-school restart model that has become a national model for reform. The transformation begins with new requirements of school leadership and staff, additional after-school programs, and training. The transformation is further supported with ausl management services which include curriculum development, performance management, teacher development, curricular enhancements, as well as assistance with parental involvement and community initiatives. A new climate and culture of success at the school is based on high expectations for student achievement. Overall, the cps schools managed by ausl have demonstrated outstanding and consistent improvement in student gains and student outcomes.

advisory services - ausl shares its expertise and experience in improving chronically failing schools and training highly effective teachers with other school districts. Through its advisory services, ausl offers the tools, framework, and coaching for transformative teacher development and school management.