Project Summary

This study systematically investigated the process and effects of high school restructuring in low-performing high schools that are implementing three central elements of systemic reform: high standards for all students, smaller and more personalized learning environments, and effective use of data to support continuous improvement.

Through this study, based in schools in Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts, the conditions and strategies necessary for achieving and sustaining positive change and improvement in low-performing schools were documented, as were resultant effects on student learning and achievement for diverse student populations. This research activity was conducted by staff of The Education Alliance and Center for Resource Management (CRM) in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and the NASSP state affiliates in this region.

Beyond this study, The Education Alliance has been contracted to provide technical assistance to various schools to implement the Breaking Ranks process of high school reform. See Secondary School Redesign Technical Assistance.

Publications related to this project:

• Breaking Ranks II: Strategies for Leading High School Reform
• Data-Driven High School Reform: The Breaking Ranks Model
• Data Use in Urban High Schools