A recent analysis by TNTP, a New York nonprofit focused on K-12 education, identified 1,345 schools that excel at helping students recover academically, despite starting below grade level. This study examined data from over 51,000 elementary and middle schools between 2009 and 2018, finding that the top 5 percent of these “start-behind” schools enabled students to learn an additional year’s worth of material every three years. These schools are notable not for their test scores, but for their students’ substantial annual progress. Previous research highlighted Chicago as a similarly effective district. The TNTP report emphasizes that effective schools can thrive even in high-poverty areas. While TNTP didn’t disclose all 1,345 schools, it did identify key characteristics among them, noting differences in demographics and challenges compared to schools with higher-performing students.
The Habits of 7 Highly Effective Schools
< 1 min read
