ThinkCERCA

Our research-based approach and relevant content equips learners to analyze information, think critically, and express their points of view effectively.

ThinkCERCA exists to provide schools and districts with the essentials to spark courageous thinking – from teaching students how to articulate their ideas clearly to building up an engaged citizenry that extends well beyond the classroom. To accomplish this goal, we offer professional learning and an online platform for implementing best practices in schools and districts across 41 states. We focus on personalizing critical thinking across content areas in grades 4-12, especially for historically underserved students, to support equitable access to academic attainment and ensure college, career, and civic readiness.

Our mission is to unify schools around coherent and rigorous critical thinking instruction by delivering systems and content for scalable instructional practices at all levels. With a focus on collaboration and evidence-based thinking for students, teachers, and leaders, we help schools overcome some of the biggest barriers to equitable access to opportunity and excellence. We provide training and support in a number of different areas including stakeholder buy-in processes, scheduling, curricular alignment, PLCs, and classroom practices. 

Our theory of change is rooted in fostering collaboration among school and district stakeholders to ensure student growth in the 21st century competencies of consuming information, thinking about it critically/collaboratively, and expressing one’s point of view effectively. Our theory of action states that by helping schools implement key aspects of the 5 Essentials framework for continuous school improvement (Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction), we can drive student achievement (https://thinkcerca.com/results). ThinkCERCA’s platform, pedagogy, and professional learning provide students, teachers, and administrators with a systematic approach, as well as the tools, resources, and strategies to continuously improve teaching and learning. 

Our solution will change the world by helping all students be equipped to handle 21st century challenges.

Our solution is a research backed and evidence based software platform that enables teachers to differentiate their instruction to all levels of students in their classroom and help them be better prepared for the 21st century economy with strong argumentative and critical thinking skills.

ThinkCERCA’s online literacy platform provides teachers and students with standards-aligned lessons to learn and practice close reading and academic writing skills across the content areas. Our Success Team designs and implements customized professional development for school leaders, collaborative workshops for teachers, and learning walks for all educators across CPS. These professional development sessions range from analyzing and interpreting data, implementing blended learning initiatives, collaborating across disciplines, providing meaningful feedback to students, and engaging students in their learning with speaking and listening practices.

Our goal over the next 12 months is have a successful new updated product launch, keep expanding to large districts, and expand our international presence. 

Our our team pivots to selling into school districts instead of school by school, and we continue to partner with international academies, the amount of people we can affect over time grows and grows.

Our solution be deployed by our success team, all of which has strong backgrounds in education. They will train lead teachers and admins to make the most of it.

175,000 students

Since starting ThinkCERCA, we have been committed to working with schools and districts that are focused on helping students build critical thinking skills through rigor and writing. In 2013, we worked with 30 schools in CPS, building partnerships by working school-by-school. Between 2014-2015, we  grew that market in other urban areas like Milwaukee, NYC and LA. As we expanded our presence, we’ve started partnering more with districts rather than individual schools. This allowed us to scale more quickly -- one district partnership can range from 1,000 students and in some cases up to 15,000+ students. 

Updated stats to be coming soon :) 

Continued great skills in selling and implementing our product.

For profit model. We sell into school districts. Our product has research backed 3rd party studies demonstrating it works, which is unique in our market. Therefore we believe decision makers will be strongly attracted to our product. 

More updates to come :)

Seems like a great opportunity to further advance our platform and connect with incredibly smart people. More answers coming soon :)

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