Effective Practices for At-Risk Elementary and Middle School Students, 2002-03 through 2004-05. E&R Report No. 06.03

Wake County Public School System. 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518. Tel: 919-431-7215; Fax: 919-431-7193; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.wcpss.net

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Educational Practices; Interviews; Surveys; Elementary School Students; Middle School Students; Lunch Programs; At Risk Students; Disabilities; Student Characteristics; Statistical Analysis; Qualitative Research; Academic Achievement; School Effectiveness; Expectation; Accountability; Academic Standards; Student Needs; Cooperation; Limited English Speaking; Achievement Tests; Teaching Methods; Barriers; School Districts; Instructional Leadership; Teacher Student Relationship; Educational Environment

The students who have the most difficulty reaching accountability standards in Wake County Public Schools are those with more than one of the following characteristics: recipients of free or reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities, and/or students with limited English proficiency. The Evaluation and Research Department identified elementary and middle schools that differed in their effectiveness in promoting achievement growth for these students. Quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest differences in both attitudes and practices. The more effective schools had higher expectations for these students, and greater confidence in their ability to meet students' needs. Evidence suggested more effective administrative leadership/support, training, and utilization of resources. Higher-growth middle schools utilized assessments to inform instruction more frequently, and higher-growth elementary schools had more structured collaboration around student needs. Further research is planned. The following are appended: (1) Literature Review for Each Group of Interest; (2) Highlights from Longview School; and (3) Interview and Survey Instruments.

As Provided

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2016

ED564370