Document Number: 6499Similar Students, Different Results: Why Do Some Schools Do Better? - Some California elementary schools serving largely low-income students score as much as 250 points higher on the state’s academic performance index than other schools with very similar students. This study surveyed principals and teachers in 257 California elementary schools serving similar student populations and analyzed the results to determine which current K-5 practices and policies are most strongly associated with higher levels of student achievement. Identified practices include: (1) prioritizing student achievement; (2) implementing a coherent, standards-based curriculum and instructional program; (3) using assessment data to improve student achievement and instruction; and (4) ensuring availability of instructional resources. (Trish Williams, Michael Kirst and Edward Haertel, EdSource, October 2005)...
No Child Left Behind