LaRocque, M. (2007). Closing the achievement gap: The experience of a middle school. Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 80(4), 157-161.
This article describes the experience of a low-achieving Florida middle school and factors that contributed to its students' improved performance on statewide, high-stakes tests. A research team collected information (e.g., questionnaires, artifacts, etc.) from principals, teachers, parents, and community members. They found that improved school leadership, parent-community school involvement, data-driven decision making, and the celebration of diversity led to higher performance on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test, a test that is also used to grade overall school performance. The author concludes with recommendations for practice to help other schools develop similar aspects of school culture to promote student achievement.
Communication, Culture of Collaboration, Infrastructure, Transformation Plan
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