ICW is committed to solving the most pressing problems in K-12th grade education, including the persistence of race- and income-based academic achievement gaps at all grade levels and the long-standing dropout crisis plaguing rural and urban high schools. Learn more about our current initiatives, latest news, and policy priorities below:
Initiatives »
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
May 13, 2011
Use this interactive map to discover how your state ranks in terms of K-12 standards, data systems, charter school laws, teacher policies, student achievement, and more.
STEM Toolkit
March 03, 2011
In support of our new report, The Case for Being Bold: A New Agenda for Business in Improving STEM Education, ICW wants to ensure that business leaders have everything they need to take action. As such, we’ve put together a host of resources to assist your efforts. Whether you’re a veteran education reformer or a new business champion, we hope you will find our new toolkit on STEM education to be useful as you begin your endeavors to improve our education system.
News »
Headline | K-12, Policy | U.S. News and World Report
Report: School Boards Play Important Role, Face Challenges
Posted May 16, 2012
While well-known officials such as U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan may get a lot of national press, smaller, sometimes overlooked groups also have a huge impact on American education. Local school boards critically shape the quality of district-wide public education, according to the "School Board Case Studies" report released yesterday by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its two nonprofit affiliates, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce and the National Chamber Foundation.
Headline | K-12, Policy | The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Former U.S. ed secretary on legacy of No Child Left Behind
Posted May 15, 2012
Daniel Malloy, the AJC’s reporter in Washington, D.C., sat down with former U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings for an interview at an event in Washington today. Here are her answers to a series of questions on major education issues.
Press Release | K-12, Policy
U.S. Chamber Report Illustrates Need for Voice of Business in School Governance
Posted May 15, 2012
With the national discussion about improving public education increasingly focused on how to implement common sense reforms, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) and the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), affiliates of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, released a report today highlighting the efforts of school boards in 13 cities across 12 states. The report examines the relationship between the private and public sector, and makes the case that business leaders should play a role in holding school board and education leaders accountable.
Policy »
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Statement on Reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): Guidelines for Strengthening the Law
May 05, 2011
Read the U.S. Chamber's priorities for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Events »
Help Wanted 2012
September 20, 2012 to September 21, 2012
Join ICW September 20-21 2012 for our Help Wanted summit at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Leaders and Laggards »
A state-by-state report card reflecting the performance of the 50 states & DC on their K-12 education.
