Our History
The National Center for Independent School Renewal is a growing association of schools seriously committed to the work of renewal and innovation through a new and powerful model of professional development.
Formally established in September, 1998, NCISR is incorporated in the State of New York as a not-for-profit organization. The idea for the Center originated in discussions with administrators and teachers of five independent schools who are members of the Coalition of Essential Schools.
Beginning in 1995, these schools (Brimmer & May School in Boston, MA; Harmony School in Bloomington, IN; Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC; Watkinson School in Hartford, CT; and Whitfield School in St. Louis, MO) began to work collaboratively on a variety of school renewal efforts. The work taught them the power of creating mutually-supporting collegial relationships among teachers both within each school and among several schools.
With initial funding from the Klingenstein Fund and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, the Center is now supported by membership dues and grants. NCISR is run by an Executive Director and small staff, a fifteen-member Board of Directors, and a growing membership of more than twenty schools located across the nation.
Our Purpose
The mission of the National Center for Independent School Renewal is to serve as a wellspring of innovation and a catalyst for change among independent schools committed to continual renewal.
Our primary purpose is to encourage teaching and learning practices which promote engaged, active learning among students within democratic learning communities.
To this end, we support schools by fostering collaboration networks among educators and schools, and by offering professional development opportunities, resources and research.
NCISR is a membership organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the historic roots of independent school innovation nationwide. NCISR intends to build upon the successful work of established Coalition of Essential School (CES) centers and engage more independent schools in the school renewal dialogue. More concretely, NCISR envisions itself as a multi-faceted organization, providing vital support to, and opportunities for collaboration among independent schools in the following ways:
LEADERSHIP: Provide grassroots leadership for inspiring innovation among independent schools and educators.
- Offer programs that support all independent schools' individual paths to renewal
- Collaborate with colleges regarding the education of our next generation of teachers
- Help shape the national debate on school change
- Provide membership affirmation for independent schools interested in CES
NETWORKING: Create networks for independent schools interested in reflection and reform.
- Create clusters of independent schools to facilitate information sharing, peer evaluation and technical assistance
- Foster emergence of “critical friends groups” in schools
- Connect individual renewal efforts among independent schools
- Create a job development network for job-seekers
- Help students and parents explore and promote their respective roles in school change
- Provide a network for faculty to share their work
- Facilitate teacher exchanges among campuses
TRAINING: Provide technical assistance and resources for teacher development.
- Provide faculty development to improve student performance and assessment
- Facilitate teacher engagement in whole school change
- Offer a pool of specialist consultants
- Offer conferences, symposia and classes
- Provide distance learning opportunities
REASEARCH AND RESOURCES: Conduct research and disseminate the findings.
- Help member schools chart and evaluate the progress of their students
- Sponsor collaborative research efforts
- Engage in development of educational materials and curricula
- Offer online clearinghouse of information
