The New Schools Project builds on Erikson’s longstanding involvement in school improvement efforts in Chicago. Project director Patricia Horsch was a key player in Erikson’s work in this area the Chicago Public Schools in the late 1980s and 1990s.

More recently, Horsch led Erikson's successful partnership to reopen the Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School. After the Chicago Public Schools closed this school in 2002 because of poor performance, Horsch directed the effort to hire and train key staff members and transform the school; she continues to provide professional development there.

From that strong start in one school, the New Schools Project was formed in 2005 to expand efforts and apply lessons learned to more schools. Working with both charter and regular schools—particularly those that are traditionally low-performing—the project helps teachers, administrators, and community members enhance the quality of classroom instruction and improve young children’s engagement in learning. Transforming these schools provides opportunities for young children to experience school success.

Consultants spend one to four days each week in the school, observing classroom interaction, coaching, and modeling instructional practices. They hold weekly teacher meetings, monthly professional development workshops, and ongoing support to principals—all at promoting high-quality, child-focused teaching. As a result of the collaboration, the schools…

• create caring, responsive learning communities;
•  integrate social skills learning into all aspects of the school day;
• formalize a system for reflective practice within the school;
• implement relationship-based teaching practices; and
• complete the alignment of curriculum along the PK-3 continuum.

Now active in seven schools, the project is still growing; in 2008, work will begin with two additional turnaround schools. Eventually the network of school sites will host Erikson early childhood education students seeking practicum experiences in dynamic urban settings.