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These organizations applied for a grant GiveWell offered in 2007 under the category Cause 4: K-12 Education, but did not advance past our Round 1 screen, which aimed at finding charities with strong self-documentation (based on our principle of focusing on already-proven programs). Note that unlike other evaluators, we put a lot of investigation into the organizations we find most promising, and de-prioritize others based on limited information. The following write-up should be viewed in this context: it explains why we determined that we wouldn't be prioritizing the organizations in question as potential grant recipients. This write-up should not be taken as a "negative rating" of these charities. Rather, it is our attempt to be as transparent as possible about the process by which we came to our top recommendations. For more on our process see our How We Identify Top Charities page.
Specifics of why organizations did not advance
We used the following principles in conducting our Round 1 screen of Cause 4: K-12 Education:
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- Focus on data reflecting academic performance, such as graduation rates, college enrollment rates, attendance, grade promotion, and test scores. While data like this is very far from perfect in indicating how well children are learning and what is happening in terms of their life opportunities, we feel that if a charity's activities are indeed leading to improved academic ability and understanding (especially math and reading), this should be reflected in improved performance on hard measures, as well as other benefits.
- We are looking for an organization that can strongly demonstrate its impact. We have not seen strong evidence linking factors such as self-esteem to academic performance, and so while improving children's self-esteem may be valuable, we are not convinced that it is a way to help close the achievement gap. Similarly, we do not believe that survey data showing self-reported attitude change is convincing evidence of improved academic abilities and performance.
- Look not just for improvement, but for improvement above and beyond what might be expected without the organization's help. It isn't enough to see that test scores improved over some time period; NYC test scores have improved citywide over time, and this could be due to a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with nonprofit interventions. To us, evidence that a program worked means evidence that the participants outperformed some comparable "comparison group."
- Look carefully for selection bias. We believe that child and family motivation are extremely important in education. Many studies using a "comparison group" are comparing voluntary participants in a program to non-participants, and the differences they pick up could therefore be driven by differences in motivation. The strongest organizations we reviewed showed or referred us to evidence that is at least attempting to assess the impact of their program above and beyond a tendency to attract more motivated students; some accomplished this through randomization, others by selecting their clients in a way that seems unlikely to involve selection bias; others by comparing changes in test scores between their populations and "control groups" (this method is more problematic than using randomized design, but less so than simply looking at whether their students outperform others).
- Require evidence that a program has worked before. Some applicants submitted extremely rigorous, methodologically strong studies showing practically no difference between their participants and a control group. We believe that this sort of self-evaluation and documentation is valuable, but we are looking for proven, effective, scalable ways of helping people, not just strong research techniques.
(As a note, no afterschool/summer programs demonstrated improved academic outcomes either for their own program or for a very similar one, and we haven't encountered any independent evidence that afterschool/summer programs in general (whether academically or recreationally focused) have consistent impact on academic performance.)
It's possible that these organizations have the information we want, and didn't send it due to misinterpretations of our application, time constraints, or other reasons. But due to time constraints of our own, we opted to focus on the applicants who seemed most promising.
Organizations that applied for funding under Cause 4: K-12 Education.
A Better Chance Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- A Better Chance Inc. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
All Stars Project Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Note - this organization requested that all materials remain confidential
Armory Foundation
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Armory Foundation. Clear Fund Application (2007) (DOC).
- Armory Foundation. Armory Foundation Attachment (2007) (DOC).
Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment TASC Seven Year (2007) (PDF).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Site Visit Oct (2006) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Site Visit May (2006) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Site Visit March (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Student Anecdotal Log (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Participant Survey (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment TASC Program Summary Table (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Open Society Ideas Paper (2007) (PDF).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment MS 44 Teacher Evaluation (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment MS 44 Staff Requirements (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment MS 44 Attendance Report (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment DOE Test Results MS 44 Math (2007) (PDF).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment DOE Test Results MS 44 ELA (2007) (PDF).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Attachment Counselor Survey (2007) (DOC).
- Childrens Arts & Sciences Workshop Inc. Round 1 Cause 4 Application (2007) (EML).
Church Avenue Merchants Block Association Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Church Avenue Merchants Block Association Inc. CAMBA Application (2007) (DOC).
- Metis Associates. CAMBA Final Report (2004) (PDF). New York: Church Avenue Merchants Block Association Inc.
Classroom Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Classroom Inc. Attachment Simulation Descriptions (2007) (DOC).
- Classroom Inc. Application Cause 4 (2007) (DOC).
- Classroom Inc. Attachment List (2007) (DOC).
- Classroom Inc. Attachment Evidence of Improved Student Outcomes (2007) (DOC).
- Classroom Inc. Attachment LEP Sites 2006-2007 (2007) (DOC).
- Classroom Inc. Attachment Literacy Enhancement Program Outcomes (2007) (DOC).
- Classroom Inc. Attachment Literacy Implementation Report (2007) (PDF).
- Classroom Inc. Attachment Literacy Outcome Report (2007) (PDF).
Computers For Youth Foundation Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. Clear Fund Proposal (2007) (PDF).
- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. Cause 4 Budget (2007) (PDF).
- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. Comparison Study (2007) (PDF).
- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. NYC School Application 2007-2008 (2007) (PDF).
- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. Parent Child Transcript (2007) (PDF).
- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. Parent Impact Report (2007) (PDF).
- Computers For Youth Foundation Inc. Test Score Study (2007) (PDF).
Directions For Our Youth Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Directions For Our Youth Inc. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
- Note - other materials were sent but are available in hard copy only
East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. 40 Developmental Assets (2007) (DOC).
- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. Characteristics of Development Stages (2007) (DOC).
- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. Clear Fund Round 1 Application (2007) (DOC).
- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. Improving After-School Program Quality (2007) (PDF).
- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. Publication PPV213 (2007) (PDF).
- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. Publication PPV217 (2007) (PDF).
- East Harlem Tutorial Program Inc. Standard Goals for All After School Programs (2007) (DOC).
Educational Alliance Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Educational Alliance Inc. Grant Application Round 1 (2007) (DOC).
Every Person Influences Children (EPIC)
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Every Person Influences Children (EPIC). Clear Fund Round 1 (2007) (DOC).
- Note - other materials were sent but are available in hard copy only
Exodus School
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Application materials unavailable
Future Leaders Institute
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Future Leaders Institute. Budget Cause 4 (2007) (XLS).
- Future Leaders Institute. Proposal Cause 4 (2007) (DOC).
- Future Leaders Institute. CAUSE 4 Proposal (2007) (EML)
- Note - other materials were sent but are available in hard copy only
Girl Scout Council of Greater New York
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Girl Scout Council of Greater New York. Cause 4 Proposal (2007) (DOC).
Global Kids Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Global Kids Inc. Cause 4 Attachment (2007) (PDF).
- Global Kids Inc. Cause 4 Attachment 2 (2007) (PDF).
- Global Kids Inc. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
- Global Kids Inc. Cause 4 Attachment 3 (2007) (DOC).
Groundwork Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Groundwork Inc. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
- Groundwork Inc. PRA Report 2004-2005 (2005) (PDF).
- Groundwork Inc. PRA report (2006) (PDF).
Harlem Link Charter School
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Harlem Link Charter School. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
Harlem RBI
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Harlem RBI. Cause 4 Application (2007) (DOC).
- Harlem RBI. Attachment REAL Kids Report (2006) (DOC).
HELP USA, Inc. Affiliates
Materials submitted in 2007
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- HELP USA, Inc. Affiliates. Cause 4 Proposal (2007) (DOC).
- HELP USA, Inc. Affiliates. Cause 4 - Attachment BBBS Impact Report (2007) (PDF).
- HELP USA, Inc. Affiliates. Cause 4 Attachment Evaluation (2006) (DOC).
- HELP USA, Inc. Affiliates. Cause 4 Attachment - Budget (2007) (XLS).
National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA
Materials submitted in 2007
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- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. Assets assessment-Achievement (2007) (PDF).
- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. Round 1 Application (2007) (DOC).
- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. NYC Asset Lab Evaluation Summary (2007) (PDF).
- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. NYC Attitudes and Behaviors Summary (2007) (PDF).
- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. Seach Institute Fact Sheet (2007) (PDF).
- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. Search Institute 40 Assets List (2007) (PDF).
- National Council Of Young Men's Christian Associations of the USA. Clear Fund Cover Letter (2007) (CPY).
New York SCORES
Materials submitted in 2007
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- New York SCORES. America SCORES Final Report Draft (2007) (DOC).
- New York SCORES. Literacy In Action 2005-2006 (2006) (XLS).
- New York SCORES. NY SCORES Application (2007) (DOC).
- New York SCORES. New York SCORES application (2007) (EML).
Partnership For After School Education Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Partnership For After School Education Inc. CAUSE 4 - ATTACHMENT 1 (2007) (PDF).
- Partnership For After School Education Inc. CAUSE 4 - ATTACHMENT 2 (2007) (PDF).
- Partnership For After School Education Inc. CAUSE 4 - ATTACHMENT 3 (2007) (PDF).
- Partnership For After School Education Inc. CAUSE 4 - ATTACHMENT 4 (2007) (PDF).
- Partnership For After School Education Inc. CAUSE 4 - ATTACHMENT 5 (2007) (PDF).
- Partnership For After School Education Inc. CAUSE 4 - PROPOSAL (2007) (DOC).
Partnership With Children Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Partnership With Children Inc. Attachment #1 (2007) (XLS).
- Partnership With Children Inc. Attachment #2a-2b (2007) (XLS).
- Partnership With Children Inc. Attachment #3 (2007) (DOC).
- Partnership With Children Inc. Attachment #4 (2007) (DOC).
- Partnership With Children Inc. Cause 4 Proposal (2007) (DOC).
- Partnership With Children Inc. Cause 4-Taming Test Monster (2007) (PDF).
Prep For Prep
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Prep For Prep. CAUSE 4-ATTACHMENT1 (2007) (DOC).
- Prep For Prep. CAUSE 4-ATTACHMENT2 (2007) (XLS).
- Prep For Prep. CAUSE 4-ATTACHMENT3 (2007) (DOC).
- Prep For Prep. CAUSE 4-ATTACHMENT4 (2007) (DOC).
- Prep For Prep. CAUSE 4-Grant Application (2007) (DOC).
- Prep For Prep. Clear Fund Cover Letter (2007) (DOC).
Publicolor Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Publicolor Inc. Summer 07 (2007) (PDF).
Sponsors For Educational Opportunity Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Sponsors For Educational Opportunity Inc. Cause 4 Dissecting the Achievement Gap - NYC Council (2005) (PDF).
- Sponsors For Educational Opportunity Inc. Cause 4 Reclaiming the American Dream Executive Summary (2006) (PDF).
- Sponsors For Educational Opportunity Inc. Cause 4 Reclaiming the American Dream White Paper (2006) (PDF).
- Sponsors For Educational Opportunity Inc. Cause 4 SEO Profile from NYRAG WEBSITE JULY 2007 (2007) (PDF).
- Note - Application submission was marked confidential; attachments were cleared to be made public
Summer on the Hill
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Summer on the Hill. Clear Fund Grant8_3 (2007) (DOC).
- Summer on the Hill. Outcomes Report 8_07 (2007) (DOC).
Teaching Matters Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Teaching Matters Inc. Cause 4 - Attachment 1 (2006) (PDF).
- Teaching Matters Inc. Cause 4 - Attachment 2 (2004) (PDF).
- Teaching Matters Inc. Cause 4 - Attachment 3 (2006) (PDF).
- Teaching Matters Inc. Cause 4 - Attachment 4 (2007) (PDF).
- Teaching Matters Inc. Cause 4 Application (2007) (PDF).
The Teachers Network
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Note - materials are withheld due to confidentiality request
Turning Point Housing Development Fund Corporation
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Turning Point Housing Development Fund Corporation. CAUSE 4_Eval_2 (2007) (DOC).
- Turning Point Housing Development Fund Corporation. NRSDIS Data FY 2007 (2007) (XLS).
- Turning Point Housing Development Fund Corporation. NRSDIS Data Instructional FY 2007 (2007) (XLS).
- Turning Point Housing Development Fund Corporation. NRSDIS Data Personnel FY 2007 (2007) (XLS).
- Turning Point Housing Development Fund Corporation. Turning_Point CAUSE 4 (2007) (DOC).
Urban Education Exchange
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Urban Education Exchange. Urban Education Exchange Cause 4 Application (2007) (PDF).
- Urban Education Exchange. Urban Education Exchange Cause 4 (2007) (EML).
Vannguard Urban Improvement Assn Inc
Materials submitted in 2007
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- Note - application available only in hard copy