MDRC
Throwing those graduation caps in the air could be more commonplace if current high school reform efforts are successful. Unfortunately, as this report notes, even though many of the high school reforms taking shape today might be promising and based on sound research principles, “little is know with confidence about their effectiveness in raising student attainment and achievement.” Be that as it may, it’s helpful to at least know what those reforms are, and this report illuminates what contemporary high school reform entails – such as carrot-and-stick approaches to helping students overcome the “treacherous” transition into 9th grade, and getting schools to offer more work that is “doable but challenging.” Free, 45 pages. (212) 532-3200, http://www.mdrc.org/publications/498/full.pdf.
