OPEN believes when people are informed and connected around common concerns and a shared vision, they will be effective advocates for equity and excellence in public education and ultimately transform our community. Our failing school systems have revolved around a lack of communication, transparency, and accountability among consumers and service providers, with top down reforms that cause instability and do not truly address student, family and community needs. Based on this, OPEN, together with students, families, and others, is building an informed, empowered community to drive equitable access to quality public education in New Orleans by EXPANDING awareness of effective, best practice, and key policy issues, ENGAGING residents in a sustained dialogue around educational equity and excellence, and AMPLIFYING the voice of citizens to positively impact the future of local public education.

In 2012, OPEN’s work will focus on the following policy priority areas: Early Childhood Education, Educator Workforce, Governance, and High School Reform.