About Us
About Us
The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona, established in 1999, is not a traditional grant-making foundation. Instead, the Foundation enables a team of leaders, concerned citizens and key educators, working in partnership with others, to bring about greatness in our public schools.
Vision
The vision of the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona is to improve Arizona’s pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education system so that it is widely recognized as one of the best in the country by 2020.
Approach
Since collaboration with individuals and organizations in the state is critical to making this vision a reality, the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona has brought together a broad network of key leaders from government, education, philanthropy, and business. Rodel is leveraging these collaborative resources to develop educational initiatives designed to raise student achievement and to assist those engaged in the process of identifying and removing the major roadblocks to achieving healthy schools and communities.
Focus Areas
- Rodel Initiatives
a) MAC-Ro is a math initiative designed to ensure all students are taught the state math curriculum and parents are involved in helping their children. An evaluation by University of Arizona researchers showed statistically significant math achievement gains by students in the program. MAC-Ro has expanded to 88 schools in five Arizona counties reaching more than 18,000 students for the 2006-2007 school year.
b) The Rodel Exemplary Teacher Initiative identifies teachers with a track record of extraordinary student achievement in high-poverty schools. Rodel honors these Rodel Exemplary Teachers and pairs them with the most promising student teachers. In ten years more than 1,000 new teachers – mentored and trained by Rodel Exemplary Teachers – will have the potential to reach more than 1 million Arizona students.
c) Lead with Five is a strategic plan developed by business, community and education leaders. It was commissioned by Rodel to identify research-based school reforms proven to make a significant difference in student achievement. The report was widely circulated and endorsed by the Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune and the Arizona Daily Star. It has stimulated a policy dialogue by outlining options for wise investments in education. - Partnerships
Rodel sponsors events and forums to encourage the creation and exchange of ideas and resources focused on improving Arizona’s education system. Rodel serves as a resource to the Governor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and state legislators on numerous education issues. - Grants/Investments
Rodel invests in innovative programs with successful track records of raising student achievement.