Release of NYKids’ Preparing Critical Needs High School Students Case Studies
NYKids releases the initial results of its latest study that focuses on how odds-beating school educators prepare students for college or career.
This study provides on-the-ground insights into what measures leaders, teachers, and support staff are taking to close opportunity gaps for young people of color and those growing up in poverty in achieving success beyond high school.
Addressing the “accountability convergence” between p-12 and higher education schools (http://rockinst.org/blog/thinking-outside-the-higher-education-box/) “is in the crosshairs” in this study according to Principal Investigator and Associate Professor, Kristen C. Wilcox.
Study
NYKids visited seven “odds-beating” high schools during the 2017-2018 school year. Those are schools with higher than expected graduation rates for African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, English language learners and economically disadvantaged students.
Released today are the individual case studies for each odds-beating school located across New York State: Some are in rural communities and others in more suburban and urban locales. Case studies identify salient processes and practices to prepare young people for success in and beyond high school.
Odds-Beating High Schools
• Alfred-Almond Junior-Senior High School
• Crown Point Central School
• Freeport High School
• Maple Grove Junior/Senior High School
• Malverne High School
• Port Chester High School
• Sherburne-Earlville High School
Each case study is based on interviews and focus groups with district and school leaders, educators, student support professionals and others to explore the policies and practices unique to odds-beating high schools, with a particular focus on post-graduation preparation. Documentary evidence was also collected, and school culture surveys administrated. Additionally, three “typically performing” high schools with expected graduation rates for identified subgroups were also studied.
We extend appreciation to all the schools that participated in the study, as well as those who shared their time and expertise during interviews and focus groups, as well as in the surveys.
Coming soon!
In September the NYKids team will release the cross-case findings from the study, which identify the commonalities across all odds-beating high schools and how they differ from schools with only typical student outcomes.
NYKids uses the findings from these odds-beating schools, also known as positive deviants, to inform school improvement work around New York State. For more information, visit the COMPASS page .
