Arne Duncan participates in a classroom discussion. Image provided by SAGA Innovations.
Spotlight

SAGA Education

SAGA Education offers historically underserved students personalized and consistent academic support. Their high dosage tutoring interventions have been proven to improve learning for all students, especially those furthest behind in high school math. Tutoring is conducted by professional Tutoring Fellows for one class period every day for an entire school year. Fellows mentor students on the behaviors and skills, that are critical to success in high school and beyond. In addition, Fellows communicate regularly with families, keeping them engaged in their children’s learning.

The University of Chicago Urban Labs has conducted rigorous RCT evaluations of SAGA, and found that SAGA-tutored students gain an extra one to two and a half years of learning above and beyond their regular school year growth. In addition to increased academic achievement, students tutored by SAGA show increases in school attendance and overall confidence, which has resulted in higher grades across subjects.

Overdeck Family Foundation is in the process of funding an RCT of a lower-cost, tech-enabled version of SAGA’s full tutoring model. The model will blend personalized tutoring with online learning in order to test efficacy at a reduced cost. Read more about the early results of the RCT here.

Portfolios

Enhancing each stage of childhood learning, from birth to graduation.

Photo courtesy of Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Children riding tricycles at preschool.

Our Investment Areas

The Foundation's investment areas encompass the whole child from birth through high school, both inside and outside the classroom. We focus on 1) early childhood, 2) educators, 3) schools, 4) out-of-school STEM opportunities, and 5) the use of data, including education data, to improve policy and practice.

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Early Impact

Support families, caregivers, and communities in accessing and using evidence-based parenting practices proven to make a difference in the early lives of children.

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Exceptional Educators

Empower teachers by providing them access to evidence-based preparation, high-quality instructional resources, and ongoing professional learning and leadership opportunities.

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Innovative Schools

Partner with schools to create student-centered, evidence-based learning environments that are responsive to learner and community needs.

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Inspired Minds

Improve access to out-of-school STEM opportunities, allowing children to unlock their curiosity and explore mind-expanding challenges.

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Data for Action

Increase the connectivity and usability of data in order to accelerate insights that improve practice and policy for children and families.

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