The Coalition’s work has focused on key initiatives that further the members’ commitment to improving student achievement in Ohio’s urban districts. From 2008-2010, Ohio 8 members will make significant progress in improving academic performance, closing achievement gaps, increasing graduation rates, and attaining 21st Century skills for their students. The Coalition will focus on four strategic priorities:

• Improvement and Innovation --- Improve academic performance, close achievement gaps and increase graduation rates for Ohio’s urban children
• Policy --- Expand funding and policy support for urban education in Ohio at the federal and state levels.
• Leadership --- Establish the Ohio 8 as a recognized statewide leader for urban education policy and practice.
• Capacity --- Strengthen the Ohio 8’s capacity to provide sustained leadership in urban education policy and practice throughout the state.