Schools for Educational Evolution and Development (SEED)
Posted by benarmstrong on 4/18/2009 2:46:43 PM.
This policy was first proposed by Eric Adler and Rajiv Vinnakota, The SEED Foundation.
Level of Government: Local
Status: Implemented

Abstract
Background:
SEED is a public boarding school program that began with the charter school in Washington, DC.  Considering that a great deal of education policy is designed and implemented at the local level, it is constructive to look at the SEED school's policy as an instance of a larger education policy idea: public boarding schools.
Purpose:
SEED seeks to reduce illiteracy and drop-out rates through a sustained and consistent commitment to a culture of learning.
Plans:
The SEED school is a model for innovative urban education that has instituted the following programs:
-a "life-skills development program" where students are housed on campus during the week; boarder students are trained to better manage their time, more effectively study and communicate professionally.
-use a curriculum similar to college preparatory schools including Advanced Placement classes.
-foster a year-round education system that keeps students thinking and working during the summer months.
-enhance unified family involvement in the students' educational experience.
-facilitating book clubs and research opportunities via library research.
-rigorous standards for students to enter into High School.
Resources:
Time Magazine approximated that the school costs $50,000 per day to operate.

Policy Details
Students living at the SEED school have day-long access to a computer lab.  High School students are afforded individual desktop computers.
The SEED Foundation presents a new version of schooling.  The SEED school is a public boarding school.  During the week, SEED students live on campus at school where they receive sustained attention from faculty and staff.  Many work on campus and have access to computers and an extensive library.
 
Because SEED is a public institution, it cannot select its students nor does it charge tuition.  SEED is in such high demand that it must admit students based on a lottery. 
 
SEED is not classified as a magnet or charter school, but offers a similarly unique educational experience.  The SEED model seeks to elevate the level of public education available in the inner-city.  It allows students to puruse a variety of interests and escape a home environment that may predispose them to drug and crime at an early age.
Related Links
The SEED Foundation's Mission: The SEED Foundation website provides details about the ideas underpinning the SEED public boarding school. For more details about the school's activities and curricula, explore the site.
The Public Boarding School Experience (TIME Magazine): TIME analyzes the public boarding school philosophy through an examination of the SEED school in Washington, DC.

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The following policies address similar issues:
"End the University As We Know It" proposed by Mark Taylor, Chairman, Columbia University Dept. of Religion
Unleashing the Power of Innovation in Education proposed by Frederick Hess, American Enterprise Institute, and The Center for American Progress
The Race to the Top Fund proposed by US Department of Education, Arne Duncan
School Modernization and Revitalization Tax Credit (Smart Credit) proposed by Fmr. Gov. George Allen (R-VA) and Paul Goldman, former Chair of Virginia's Democratic Party
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) proposed by U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Education
Schools for Educational Evolution and Development (SEED) proposed by Eric Adler and Rajiv Vinnakota, The SEED Foundation