A primary activity of NYKids is to conduct research and identify promising practices in odds-beating schools.

Results of each study are available in multiple formats and include reports that summarize the results of each study; best practice frameworks that offer comparisons of higher- and typically-performing schools and sample documents from the odds-beating performers; and case studies of the individual higher-performing, odds-beating schools studied.

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Search Results (187)

2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Sherburne-Earlville High School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Subpopulations: Economic Disadvantage
Urbanicities: Rural
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kristen Campbell Wilcox, Hal Lawson, Lisa Cala-Ruud, Catherine Kramer
2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Port Chester Senior High School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Regions: Hudson Valley
Urbanicities: Suburban, Urban
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kristen Campbell Wilcox, Brian Rhode, Lisa Cala-Ruud, Catherine Kramer
2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Maple Grove Junior/Senior High School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Subpopulations: Economic Disadvantage
Urbanicities: Rural
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kathryn Schiller, Catherine Kramer, Lisa Yu
2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Malverne Senior High School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Regions: Long Island
Urbanicities: Suburban, Urban
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kristen Campbell Wilcox, Rebecca Shea, Mary Ann Zuccaro, Fang Yu
2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Freeport High School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Regions: Long Island
Urbanicities: Suburban, Urban
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kathryn Schiller, Catherine Kramer, Aaron Leo
2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Crown Point Central School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Regions: North Country
Subpopulations: Economic Disadvantage
Urbanicities: Rural
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kathryn Schiller, Francesca Durand, Catherine Kramer, Eva Jones
2018 Preparing Critical Needs Students for College or Career Alfred-Almond Junior-Senior High School

This case study is one of 10 case studies examining preparation of critical needs students college and career.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2017-18, research teams investigated 10 high schools regarding the preparation of critical needs students for college and career. Three of these schools were typically-performing (with graduation rates as predicted for the student population served) and the remainder were odds-beating schools (with graduation rates above-predicted for the student population served).

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: High
Publication Years: 2018
Regions: Southern Tier
Subpopulations: Economic Disadvantage
Urbanicities: Rural
Published: August 13, 2018Author(s): Kristen Campbell Wilcox, Effie McBride, Kelly Gross, Lisa Yu
2017 Culturally and Linguistically Adapted School Systems

Multiple case study investigated characteristic of six elementary schools in New York State with statistically significant better performance outcomes among their English language learners (ELL) students. Through documentary evidence, classroom observations, and interviews with students, teachers, and administrators, a system-wide approach to adaptations that benefit ELL students was identified.

This multiple case study investigated characteristics of six elementary schools in New York State with statistically significant better performance outcomes among their English language learner (ELL) students. Through documentary evidence, classroom observations, and interviews with students, teachers, and administrators, a system-wide approach to adaptations that benefit ELL students was identified. These adaptations were evident in: (a) school cultures that embrace ideals of equity of opportunity and celebrate diversity; (b) school climates that evoke a sense of safety and welcome; and (c) processes and practices that support advocacy for ELLs and their families. While the schools shared these common characteristics, educators employed some unique approaches in rural, suburban, and urban schools, holding implications for policies that take into account contextual variances in schools and communities.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2017
Published: July 1, 2017Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Karen Gregory, Aaron Leo, Fang YuPublished By: NYS TESOL Journal
2014 Poverty and Performance in NYS – What Can We Learn from Best Practice Research

This presentation presents findings on studies examining the practices of schools that do better than expected with high-poverty populations. Key findings include: (1) a vision of success that includes high poverty students achieving beyond predicted levels; (2) collaboration and shared responsibility; and (3) decision making based on a variety of evidence.

This presentation presents findings on studies examining the practices of schools that do better than expected with high-poverty populations. Key findings include: (1) a vision of success that includes high poverty students achieving beyond predicted levels; (2) collaboration and shared responsibility; and (3) decision making based on a variety of evidence.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: High, Middle
Publication Years: 2015
Published: July 1, 2017Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Janet Angelis
2017 High Literacy in Odds-Beating MS Implementating the Common Core

Literacy practices among “odds-beating” middle schools implementing the Common Core.

Literacy practices among “odds-beating” middle schools implementing the Common Core. The presentation explores the ways that teachers’ literacy instruction practices, in the context of attempting to align to the Common Core Learning Standards, show evidence of attention to developing high literacy.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: Middle
Publication Years: 2017
Topics: Common Core
Published: April 1, 2017Author(s): Marc Nachowitz, Kristen Wilcox, Robin WardLocation: American Educational Research Association Annual Conference
2017 CASDA’s Mission in Action

The goals of the COMPASS (Compare, Assess priorities, Select levers for improvement, Set SMART goals and develop action plans) is to engage school teams, led by the principal. In reflective, collaborative inquiry that looks holistically at how to impact student performance.

Motivated by the mission as catalysts, conveners, community developers and capacity builders, CASDA faculty have collaborated with researchers and faculty at the University at Albany’s School of Education on two successful programs designed to share research and encourage sharing evidence-based practices. The NYKids Project in the School of Education and the Teacher Leadership Quality Partnership Grant Program represent eight years of direct work with school teams using research and best practices for school teams to ensure continuous school improvement.

The goals of the COMPASS (Compare, Assess priorities, Select levers for improvement, Set SMART goals and develop action plans) is to engage school teams, led by the principal. In reflective, collaborative inquiry that looks holistically at how to impact student performance.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary, High, Middle
Publication Years: 2017
Published: February 16, 2017Author(s): Nancy AndressPublished By: CASDA
2017 Beating the Odds with Poverty-Challenged Youth

School improvement practices to support youth experiencing poverty.

School improvement practices to support youth experiencing poverty. The presentation explores how teacher describe their experiences implementing the Common Core State Standards, with Annual Professional Performance Review system, and supports for their adjustments to the Common Core, Annual Professional Performance, and Data-Driven Instruction innovations.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: Elementary, Middle
Publication Years: 2017
Topics: Poverty
Published: February 1, 2017Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Hal LawsonLocation: CASDA
2017 The Role of District and School Leaders

This mixed-method multiple case study investigated nine elementary schools. Six “odds-beating schools,” which serve relatively high numbers of economically disadvantaged children, achieved higher than predicted performance on state assessment when compared with three typically performing schools.

This mixed-method multiple case study investigated nine elementary schools. Six “odds-beating schools,” which serve relatively high numbers of economically disadvantaged children, achieved higher than predicted performance on state assessments when compared with three typically performing schools. The overarching research question guiding this study was: What forces, factors, and actors account for odds-beating schools’ better outcomes? The trust-communication connection provided one answer. Relational trust in odds-beating schools is an intraorganizational phenomenon, and it is accompanied by interorganizational trust (reciprocal trust). These two kinds of trust are accompanied by intraschool and district office-school communication mechanisms. Trust and communications are mutually constitutive as innovations are implemented. This connection is also an implementation outcome. When today’s innovation implementation initiatives reinforce this trust-communication connection, it becomes an organizational resource for future innovation implementation.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2017
Subpopulations: Economic Disadvantage
Published: January 1, 2017Author(s): Hal Lawson, Francesca Durand, Kristen Wilcox, Karen Gregory, Kathryn Schiller, Sarah ZuckermanPublished By: Journal of School Leadership
2017 Connecting the Dots for ELLs

Findings from a multiple case study investigating the nature of educators’ approaches toward monitoring English language learners (ELLs) performance and using data to improve instruction and apply appropriate interventions.

This article reports on findings from a multiple case study investigating the nature of educators’ approaches toward monitoring English language learners’ (ELL) performance and using data to improve instruction and apply appropriate interventions. Six New York elementary schools where ELLs’ performance was better than predicted (i.e. odds-beating) based on student assessment data were studied. The analysis revealed that several strategies were common among the schools studied and were associated with the schools’ better ELL performance outcomes. These include: (1) connecting instruction and interventions to “real time” data based on multiple measures of student performance including benchmark and formative assessments; (2) communicating performance via technology among teachers and with family members and legal guardians; (3) collaborating through routines among teaching and support staff as well as school and district leaders. Implications for district and school leaders and teachers are discussed. Implications for district and school leaders as well as teachers and other instructional specialists are offered.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2017
Published: January 1, 2017Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Karen Gregory, Fang YuPublished By: Journal for Leadership and Instruction
2017 Adapting to ESL Policy Changes in NY – A study of Odds-Beating Schools

Multiple case study investigating the nature of educators’ adaptations to meet ELs’ needs and specific adaptations that prepared them for policy changes for English learner (EL) education in New York (NY) state.

Multiple case study investigating the nature of educators’ adaptations to meet Els’ needs and specific adaptations that prepared them for policy changes for English learner (EL) education in New York (NY) state. These policy changes require the use of co-teaching models and mandate enhanced classroom teacher preparation in ESL methods.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2017
Published: January 1, 2017
2016 Schools Beating the Odds – Implications of Research and Practice

This research identifies the school practices and policies found in odds-beating elementary and middle schools whose students exceeded performance expectations on New York State assessments aligned with the Common Core State Standards.

This research identifies the school practices and policies found in odds-beating elementary and middle schools whose students exceeded performance expectations on New York State assessments aligned with the Common Core State Standards.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: Elementary, Middle
Publication Years: 2016
Published: December 7, 2016Author(s): Kathryn Schiller, Kristen WilcoxLocation: Puerto Rico Research Alliance for Dropout Prevention at REL Northeast & Islands
2016 Optimizing Conditions to Support ELL’s Achievement

The English Language Learner (ELL) population in New York State has grown over 20% in the last year, and English Language Learners make up over 8% of the New York State student population. Four elements found to be key to serving ELL population: (1) culture & climate; (2) instruction; (3) leadership and capacity; and (4) communications and collaborations.

The English Language Learner (ELL) population in New York State has grown over 20% in the last year, and English Language Learners make up over 8% of the New York State student population. Four elements found to be key to serving ELL population: (1) culture & climate; (2) instruction; (3) leadership and capacity; and (4) communications and collaborations.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Published: November 5, 2016Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Karen GregoryLocation: NYS TESOL
2016 Part 154 Policy Changes for ELLs – How Odd’s Beating Schools are Meeting the Challenge

The ELL population in New York State has grown over 20% in the last year, and ELLs now make up over 8% of the New York State student population. Odds-beating schools have systems in place to carefully monitor the progress of their ELLs, connected to systems of interventions for students who need more support.

The ELL population in New York State has grown over 20% in the last year, and ELLs now make up over 8% of the New York State student population. Odds-beating schools have systems in place to carefully monitor the progress of their ELLs, connected to systems of interventions for students who need more support. State English Language Arts and Math assessment data and language proficiency assessment data do not tell the whole story: formative and benchmark assessment are more informative. Systematic reporting and communication/dissemination of multiple measures of student performance allows educators and families to meet the needs of all students.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Published: October 14, 2016Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Karen GregoryLocation: DATAG Fall Conference
2016 Leadership to Support English Learners

The English Language Learner population in New York State has grown over 20%, and English Language Learners make up over 8% of the New York State student population. Four components are important to educating the ELL population including: (1) climate and culture; (2) instruction; (3) leadership & capacity; and (4) communication and collaboration.

The English Language Learner population in New York State has grown over 20%, and English Language Learners make up over 8% of the New York State student population. Four components are important to educating the ELL population including: (1) climate and culture; (2) instruction; (3) leadership & capacity; and (4) communication and collaboration.

Formats: Presentation
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Published: September 25, 2016Author(s): Kristen Wilcox, Karen GregoryLocation: NYSCOSS Fall Leadership SummitPublished By: Catherine Kramer
2016 ELL Elementary Study – Van Rensselaer ES

In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 state mathematics and English language arts assessments across multiple grade levels and subjects. Comparisons were for grades three through six. Researchers used site-based interviews of teachers and administrators, as well as analyses of supportive documentation in all schools; in four of the schools student interviews and classroom observations were also conducted.

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Urbanicities: Urban
Published: September 1, 2016Author(s): Karen Gregory
2016 ELL Elementary Study – Summary

In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 state mathematics and English language arts assessments across multiple grade levels and subjects. Comparisons were for grades three through six. Researchers used site-based interviews of teachers and administrators, as well as analyses of supportive documentation in all schools; in four of the schools student interviews and classroom observations were also conducted.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Published: September 1, 2016
2016 ELL Elementary Study – Schuylerville ES

In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 state mathematics and English language arts assessments across multiple grade levels and subjects. Comparisons were for grades three through six. Researchers used site-based interviews of teachers and administrators, as well as analyses of supportive documentation in all schools; in four of the schools student interviews and classroom observations were also conducted.

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Urbanicities: Rural
Published: September 1, 2016Author(s): Karen Gregory
2016 ELL Elementary Study – Guilderland ES

In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 state mathematics and English language arts assessments across multiple grade levels and subjects. Comparisons were for grades three through six. Researchers used site-based interviews of teachers and administrators, as well as analyses of supportive documentation in all schools; in four of the schools student interviews and classroom observations were also conducted.

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Urbanicities: Suburban
Published: September 1, 2016Author(s): Aaron Leo, Kristen Wilcox
2016 ELL Elementary Study – Full Report

In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 state mathematics and English language arts assessments across multiple grade levels and subjects. Comparisons were for grades three through six. Researchers used site-based interviews of teachers and administrators, as well as analyses of supportive documentation in all schools; in four of the schools student interviews and classroom observations were also conducted.

Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Published: September 1, 2016
2016 ELL Elementary Study – Fostertown ETC Magnet

In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance.

This case study is one of a series of studies conducted by Know Your Schools~for NY Kids since 2005. In 2015-16, research teams investigated 6 elementary schools. In comparison to schools serving similar populations at each grade level, these odds-beating schools are ones in which English Language Learners exceeded expected average performance on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 state mathematics and English language arts assessments across multiple grade levels and subjects. Comparisons were for grades three through six. Researchers used site-based interviews of teachers and administrators, as well as analyses of supportive documentation in all schools; in four of the schools student interviews and classroom observations were also conducted.

Formats: Case Study
Levels of Schooling: Elementary
Publication Years: 2016
Regions: Hudson Valley
Urbanicities: Urban
Published: September 1, 2016Author(s): Karen Gregory