About SMART 

The SMART Consortium represents the collective efforts of more than 50 northeast Ohio school districts to foster continuous, dramatic improvement in science and mathematics learning.

A self-directed undertaking created and supported by the Ohio Department of Education and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation (with funding support from the Cleveland Foundation), SMART was formed in 1998 in response to concerns raised by the findings and implications of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) conducted in 41 countries during the 1993-94 school year. The Consortium's mission was to bring school districts together to capitalize on each other's diversity (SMART members include urban, suburban (including "first-ring") and rural school districts of every size) and to share resources, innovative ideas and practices, instructional strategies, and curriculum materials.

Mathematics and science achievement are especially critical to students' academic and career success. Yet, Ohio student performance in these key academic disciplines – though improving – still trails that of many other states and countries. In these times of heightened expectations and the ongoing challenge to "do more" (often with less), school districts need the help and support of their counterparts, as well as access to professional guidance and quality educational resources, to foster an effective learning environment.

SMART's momentum derives from the strong commitment of its members to improving mathematics and science teaching and learning. To this end, SMART has developed a compelling vision and has adopted stretch goals, strategies, and recommendations that will enable K-12 public schools to move forward in a sustained, stable manner. Through SMART, school districts can leverage the risks inherent in systemic change, while maximizing the rewards.