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Formative assessment practices are a process, both formal and informal, that teachers and students use to know where they need to go in the intended learning, where they are and how to close the gap.

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Battelle for Kids

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Battelle for Kids is a national not-for-profit organization committed to collaborating with school systems and communities to realize the power and promise of 21st century learning for every student.

Formed in 2001, the organization's leadership in 21st century education now encompasses early learning, during school (K-12), and beyond school experiences. The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) joined Battelle for Kids in 2018. P21's members and partners have been pioneers of 21st century learning since 2002. EdLeader21, also a network of Battelle for Kids as of 2017, started its industry-leading network in 2010 and now has more than 220 member districts and schools. Collectively, we have served members and clients across 45 states.

As the premier leader in 21st century education, Battelle for Kids innovates and partners with its networks, association and business partners, and school system leaders to design and implement educational experiences that prepare all students to become lifelong learners and contributors in an ever-changing world.

The organization's approach involves the entire school community-educators in partnership with students, families, businesses, community, and others-to create enduring impact for every child.

Our History

Supported by an initial grant from Battelle Memorial Institute, Battelle for Kids was established in 2001 by the Ohio Business Roundtable to improve student achievement in Ohio under the leadership of former executive director Jim Mahoney. In 2005, Battelle for Kids became an independent, national not-for-profit organization focused on developing innovative services and solutions that empower and support teachers, leaders, and school systems to reach every learner. In December 2016, Dr. Karen Garza became the organization's new president and CEO.

A cornerstone of our early work was the creation of SOAR, a group of 42 diverse Ohio school districts that came together to explore innovative practices for their schools. SOAR has been a model for showing how like-minded school systems can connect, collaborate, and innovate to improve learning. We are also forming other networks of school systems at the state and national level to co-create new models of learning and lead the way for other school systems toward what works in this new era in education. In October 2017, we welcomed EdLeader21 as one of our national networks dedicated to accelerating the implementation of 21st century educational systems for all students. In November 2018, P21 joined our networks as a pioneer in 21st century learning tools and resources--as well as a strong network of involved thought partners.

We're honored to have collaborated with state departments of education, urban, suburban, and rural schools, and other education-focused organizations across the country.

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Formed in 2001, the organization's leadership in 21st century education now encompasses early learning, during school (K-12), and beyond school experiences. The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) joined Battelle for Kids in 2018. P21's members and partners have been pioneers of 21st century learning since 2002.