About Us

Ohio policy, research, and advocacy work

In Fordham’s customary role as a think tank, it’s unusual to engage in hands-on efforts to transform schools and educate children. But our home state of Ohio has created opportunities to get down on the ground with real struggles affecting real kids in a real place. In addition to our eye-opening work as an authorizer (aka sponsor) of seven charter schools in the Buckeye State, Fordham is also a state-level policy, research and advocacy organization, seeking to improve Ohio’s education practices in ways consistent with our mission, principles and priorities. We produce formal studies and policy briefs; convene bi-partisan stakeholders on important and timely issues facing Buckeye schools and children; and advise and collaborate with education leaders and policymakers. Since 2003, Fordham has annually analyzed and reported on the academic performance of schools in Ohio's major cities as well as charter schools statewide.  In addition to our DC office, Fordham has offices in both Columbus and Dayton.

Our Ohio team produces the bi-weekly Ohio Education Gadfly, which goes to thousands of state leaders and influencers, and is frequently published by or quoted in the state's major newspapers on a variety of education policy topics.

Fordham is also a member of the Policy Innovators in Education (PIE) Network, whose mission is to build, support, and promote a network of education advocacy organizations working to improve K-12 education in their states and the nation.