Partners

In 2004, EDC and its partners, LNESC and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, came together to launch the PALMS projet. EDC continues to lead this work, and LNESC has remained involved in identifying new school districts that can benefit from PALMS products and services. Through its large network of schools and organizations, the National Forum has assisted with dissemination efforts.

Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC)

EDC is a global nonprofit organization that designs, delivers, and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world's most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. EDC's award-winning programs and products, developed in collaboration with partners around the globe, consistently advance learning and healthy development for individuals of all ages. Today, EDC manages 335 projects in 50 countries. Its work strengthens nearly every facet of society, including early child development, K-12 education, health promotion, workforce preparation, community development, basic and adult education, and learning technologies. PALMS is housed in the the Health and Human Development Division, where it forms a critical piece of the Salud y Éxito program, an initiative designed to increase healthy behaviors and school success among Latino youth.

LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC)

LNESC, a national non-profit, community-based organization, is the educational arm of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the country's oldest and largest Hispanic organization. LNESC's mission is to educate and prepare America's future workforce through intensive educational programming and leadership development training. Since its inception in 1973, LNESC has grown to become the leading provider of educational opportunities for Hispanics in America; awarding over 1,000 scholarships annually through the LULAC National Scholarship Fund and assisting nearly 400,000 students enroll in the college of their choice.

In 2006, the PALMS Toolkit for School Leaders was pilot-tested in four cities where LNESC has established a strong presence. Field testing and dissemination of the toolkit was coordinated through these four LNESC field sites, with oversight from LNESC field directors. We gratefully acknowledge these LNESC staff members: Rose Ann Blanco (Houston Office), Ernestina Bobe (Chicago Office), John Moya (Albuquerque Office), and Jessica Rivera (Philadelphia Office). At its inception, PALMS was co-directed by the late Charles Tamez . The PALMS staff is grateful for the many and enduring contributions that Mr. Tamez made during his service to the project. 

The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform

The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is an alliance of over 60 educators, researchers, national associations, and officers of professional organizations and foundations committed to promoting the academic performance and healthy development of young adolescents. Through its Schools to Watch program, the Forum has developed criteria for identifying high-performing middle-grades schools, created tools to help schools use the criteria, and honored successful schools across the country.