TAF

Mission

TAF builds collaborative relationships with public education to create access to transformative systems of learning for students and teachers of color to eliminate race-based disparities in an increasingly diverse society.

Great Learning Environments = Great Academic Acheivements

Children come into the world curious, joyful, and ready to learn. Everything is a wonder to them. Over time, with the right structures, they have ideas about who they want to be and how to shape their future. As a society, it is our job to ensure public schools are places where children can be curious learners and have opportunities to use their voice. 

Acting on a vast body of research on learning environments, our education team at TAF works with public school educators who are ready to transform schools into places where students can become socially conscious and self-aware critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders. Your contributions fund student-led learning and encourage the incredible things students in our partner schools are doing every day.  

It takes time and resources to develop equitable classrooms and support the educators who cultivate these positive learning environments. But it has results. After 3 years of their teachers implementing the STEMbyTAF Academic Model, 91% of students at Roosevelt Elementary described their school as a safe space, an increase of 65% from their first year of partnership. In this safe environment, paired with engaging project-based learning, and culturally relevant learning materials, students also increased their proficiency of fundamental reading skills by 81% in the last year. In a similar student-led environment, scholars at TAF partner school Boze Elementary school saw significant growth in their math skills in the 2021-2022 school year. According to iReady growth tracking data, which measures learning over the course of the school year, nearly 20% of scholars at Boze ended the year above grade level in math, and the school as a whole saw an 86% improvement in math skills like geometry and algebraic thinking.

At other TransformED partner schools, Olympic View and Brigadoon Elementary, 5th graders wrote their own rainforest children's books. They did their own research through interactive field trips, created their own illustrations, and were directed by community experts on the publishing process. They used their voice and made choices that they felt made their books stand out. 

All our TransformED partner schools enable students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles to practice and see improvement in core reading, writing, and science skills. Students are getting to lead their own projects, find joy in learning and working together, and taking academic risks in an environment that feels safe. Fifth graders drafting books now might continue with their love of writing and become future authors. Their focus on the rainforest may lead them to become wildlife scientists or ecologists tackling deforestation and climate change. 

By investing in TAF, you create partnerships that allow us to see children grow up supported by their school and their teachers, from the first day of kindergarten through graduation. What you are investing in are real humans, real people. People that really can change the world.

All students deserve this kind of learning environment, and you can make that happen. The meaningful pursuit of knowledge can and should be fulfilling, exciting, and accessible to every student.  

Donate today to create that transformation in schools and students across Washington and beyond.