ED465201 - Education Report from ERIC - ERIC-ED465201 | Content Details

ED465201 - Education Report from ERIC

Author: Koki, Stan' TITLE Promising Programs for Schoolwide Reform. PREL Briefing Paper

Source Institution: Pacific Resources for Education and Learning, Honolulu, HI

Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC

Subject: Academic Achievement, Educational Change, Educational Philosophy, Elementary Secondary Education, Models, Program Descriptions, Program Effectiveness

Abstract: This paper summarizes seven school-reform models demonstrating llstrongll and "promising'l evidence of effectiveness in improving student achievement according to a rating scale designed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). The intent of this summary is to assist districts and schools in the Pacific region in identifying proven, reliable solutions to the problem of low-performing schools. Three reform models that received the "strong" rating include Direct Instruction, High Schools That Work, and Success for All. Four 'Ipromisingftmodels are Community for Learning, Different Ways of Knowing, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, and School Development Program. Model descriptions include education philosophy, goals, structure (components), and key practices. This paper shows that educational research and development needs to be strengthened and that school-reform approaches need to be examined carefully over time to determine their effectiveness. Before adoption decisions are made, it is essential that educators consider impact information. With adequate impact information, educators can significantly increase the chances of choosing a successful approach that addresses their students' most pressing needs. Rigorous evaluations of school-reform models can serve as the catalyst for meaningful discussion among practitioners and parents as they go about the challenges of improving school performance.