John Barker joined CPS in January 2013 having learned the challenges of an urban school district through his work in Memphis as both Chief of Staff to the district’s superintendent, and as head of Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Student Information for five years. In Memphis, Dr. Barker oversaw the district’s Data Dashboard, which measures progress against the district’s strategic goals. In Chicago, Dr. Barker has developed a comprehensive accountability strategy and the departmental team to support the new work. Barker holds a PhD in Education and Human Development, masters’ degree in Public Policy, and joined Dr. Barbara Byrd-Bennett’s team as a nationally recognized thought leader in public education. He has served on the graduate faculty of the College of Education at the University of Memphis and brings nearly 20 years of professional experience in education to Chicago Public Schools.