DFER-DC was launched in January 2015 with the goal of continuing and accelerating the reforms that have made the District of Columbia the most rapidly improving urban district in the nation. DFER-DC works to identify, elect, educate, and empower progressive elected officials who advocate for bold reforms that prioritize student success. In addition, DFER-DC engages the public in education policy campaigns that elevate critical issues and allow constituents to hold their leaders accountable.

DFER-DC recently helped secure a 2.2 percent annual charter facilities increase in the mayor’s budget and a 3 percent increase to per pupil funding in the City Council’s budget. Following the release of the district’s 2016-2017 PARCC scores, DFER released an interactive tool, in partnership with EmpowerK12, to allow policymakers and the public to analyze those results at the ward, neighborhood cluster, and ANC levels. By shedding light on what’s working, and highlighting what needs fixing, DFER-DC seeks to double down on equity so that every student, in every DC neighborhood, receives a high-quality education.