A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

Lessons Learned
A Blueprint for Success
Education is Freedom experienced fast growth in recent years, from working with only 3 high
schools in 2008-2009 to 23 schools and 6 middle schools in 2011-2012. To accomplish this in a
way that effectively supports students in these high-need districts, EIF documented the start-up and
daily processes of its programs and services. The EIF model had to be flexible enough to be customized
to each school district and each school campus, a process that took some experience to learn.
Now, the program can be very intentional in its growth and expansion, systematically preserving the
core elements of the program. As the organization has expanded over time, its chief leadership
learned important lessons, such as:
Strong leadership, an influential board, and having a team with the right skills in the right
jobs.
Goals/target outcomes should set the stage for everything from data collection and analysis to
database systems, work processes, and staffing (Tiffany Gurley-Alloway noted that “when
you hire dedicated people, the results will be phenomenal”).
In order to remain vital, an organization must be viewed as a partner within the school
districts it serves.
Process documentation is essential.
When needs change, an organization must be fluid enough to change with them.
Organizations must stay current on technological advances in the industry.
You must never lose site of the competition. Organizations must understand the business,
potential partners, and competitors. Further, you must understand what sets your
organization apart from others. You must constantly scan the horizon for entering/emerging
organizations, and never underestimate their potential impact on your business.
Dr. Gurley-Alloway offered the following collective thoughts of the EIF leadership team as words of
advice for other programs:
Understand and maintain a laser focus on your core business, and ensure that it is aligned
with your mission.
Let your mission guide what you do; be flexible enough to change how you do it.
Know your customers, all of them, and how you can uniquely address their needs.
Building relationships with campus staff is as important as building relationships with
students and parents.
When asked what one thing she wished they could have done differently, Dr. Gurley-Alloway noted
that her President and Board of Directors have developed many exciting goals that would position
EIF and its students for success in the long-term. She shared two of their goals with us.
Educational Policy Institute 71 www.educationalpolicy.org