Home  Completed Research At-Risk Students Twelve Secondary Schools in Low-Income Settings: Case Studies
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Twelve Secondary Schools in Low-Income Settings: Case Studies |
Dunnigan, Gardner, Muhtadi, and Lessard
This study of secondary schools provides insight for educational leaders on closing the achievement gap. It directly addresses the question, how do we create high achievement for low-income students? The 350 page report provides richly detailed portraits of twelve secondary schools serving lower-income and immigrant students in Montreal, Edmonton and lower mainland BC. These schools were identified on the basis of socioeconomic data obtained from StatsCan and achievement data from their school districts and province. Both high and low-achieving schools were included in the sample for comparison purposes. Using qualitative methods and a common template for analysis, the research teams prepared detailed case studies to identify and illustrate school practices which appear to boost or inhibit student success.
The case studies confirm the role the school can play in reducing social inequities with a stress on high expectations and supportive structures and services. The features which differentiate the more successful schools are similar to those found in the effective schools literature.
Primary researchers included Dr. Claude Lessard, University of Montreal, Dr. Neal Muhtadi, Deputy Superintendent Abbotsford School District, and retired Edmonton Associate Superintendents, Muriel Dunnigan and Alex Gardner. The final report synthesizing the findings was written by University of McGill Professor emeritus, Norman Henchey. The statistical work for the selection of schools was completed by Dr. Claudio Violato, University of Calgary. An overview of the literature on school effectiveness and improvement was prepared by Dr. Terry Wendel.
The study produced four reports, including the volume of twelve case studies, a final report analyzing the findings across schools, a statistical report, and a literature review. The research was commissioned by SAEE and funded through the assistance of Max Bell Foundation.
Research Series 11, Published November 2001 ♦ Order ♦ |
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