The civil rights movement had progressed in the 1960s and, with it, so had the hopes and aspirations of many who had experienced the disparaging effects of discrimination and isolation. With the civil rights laws enacted, education gained fresh momentum as a force for achieving equity.
IDRA began 50 years ago with the vision of excellent schooling for all students that is still very relevant today.
IDRA has propelled the reform of state funding systems, designed and implemented school-based programs that cut dropout rates by 90%, developed programs that work for young learners, fostered student and teacher leadership development, helped schools transform their discipline practices and establish culturally responsive instruction, and conducted research that informs policy and educational practice in such critical areas as school finance equalization, bilingual education, dropout prevention, STEM access and immigrant education.
IDRA will never compromise its mission to achieve equal educational opportunity for every child through strong public schools that prepare all students to access and succeed in college.