tandfonline.com – Illinois Horizon Schools: Initial Research Findings from the Illinois Schools to Watch Program

Abstract

Currently, there is a paucity of research concerning the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform’s Schools to Watch national school improvement program. Of the handful of existing studies, very few have examined or addressed student learning or achievement. In this this study we systematically collected and analyzed data from the 34 Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch (IHSTW) schools participating in the National Forum’s Schools to Watch (STW) program. Using multiple sources of data, we examined the demographic characteristics and teacher-reported levels of best middle grades school practices in the IHSTW middle level schools that have participated in the STW program since 2003. In addition, we conducted an analysis of state-level, standardized student achievement test scores for participating IHSTW schools. We found that IHSTW schools that have participated in the program for longer periods of time demonstrated higher levels of middle school practices and standardized student achievement outcomes.