National Annenberg sifts through data

National Annenberg sifts through data

by Cindy Richards

When former ambassador and media magnate Walter Annenberg plopped $500 million on the table to strengthen school improvement efforts across the nation, he challenged other donors to "feel an obligation to join this crusade for the betterment of our country."

With three-quarters of the money going into challenge grants requiring a 2-for-1 local match--hence, the name Annenberg Challenge--the philanthropist's largesse generated more than $1 billion for reform programs. Today, Annenberg programs are working in nearly 2,700 schools in 300 school districts.

Judging the impact of such a diverse, farflung …