By Gayane Aghajanyan, USCM Intern
November 11, 2008

Three years ago, Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz initiated a partnership between the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County Public Schools to ensure academic excellence for both communities.

This partnership, referred to as the Education Compact, focuses on improving academic programs, capital/infrastructure needs, and community involvement. Diaz said, “At the start of my term, I crossed government entities to develop a partnership with the school district in an effort to develop mutually fulfilling goals. This partnership developed into the Miami Education Compact, an agreement focused on student achievement, community involvement and the physical learning environment.” Diaz meets once a month with the superintendent of Miami-Dade county public schools, newly elected Alberto Carvalho, to strategize how to further academic enrichment opportunities for high school students, particularly through outside grant opportunities. By having mutual goals and benchmarks, the mayor and the superintendent collaborate to enhance academic achievement so students are better prepared for college and the new demands of workforce.

With the support of Diaz, former Superintendent Rudy Crew established the Secondary School Reform Initiative (SSRI) is a high school reform program that incorporates career training within the curriculum, offering new workplace and career path studies. With an increased focus on high schools from the district and city, students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools have the opportunity to take supplementary coursework which would help them earn college credit and prepare them for employment after graduation. Additionally, in an effort to increase high school graduation rates, students can also take credit recovery courses and other electives to graduate on time.

In 2007, the number of minority students taking the SAT exam was the highest the district ever recorded. Miami-Dade Country Public High Schools have higher graduation rates and the enrollment of students in AP classes has increased significantly. According to the Broad Foundation, the Miami-Dade district’s African-American and Hispanic student population from low-income families performed better than their peers in other districts across Florida. In 2008, the Miami-Dade district was a finalist for the Broad Prize and received $250,000 to create college scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors. Having the support of Diaz was key in showing a community commitment to high school education. Diaz stated, “As mayor, I know all too well that schools are the heart of our community. They represent the critical promise we make to future generations – a promise of learning and a promise of opportunity.”