Final Report: High-Needs Schools—What Does it Take to Beat the Odds?

Contact: Andrea Beesley

Audience(s): Researchers and Administrators

Product Description:

This study examines the relationships among four key components known to impact the achievement gap and student achievement—Leadership, Professional Community, School Environment, and Instruction—to show what differentiates high-performing, high-needs schools from low-performing, high-needs schools.

Key Ideas:

Researchers compared two groups of demographically similar, high-needs elementary schools in 10 states and found that there were no significant differences in the inter-relationships among the four components in either group of schools. The study indicates that the priority should be on improving school-wide policies and practices, especially through the role of leaders.

APA Citation:

McREL. (2005). Final Report: High-Needs Schools – What Does it Take to Beat the Odds? Aurora, CO: Author.