Schools That Make a Difference

Know about the book -

Schools That Make a Difference is written by Norman Henchey and published by SAEE. It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 0968514499 (ISBN 10) and 9780968514498 (ISBN 13).

This report provides an analysis of a 2-year study of 12 urban public schools in Canada. The purpose of the study was to examine the inner workings of secondary schools in low-income settings that create high achievement for their students. The schools were selected on the basis of their achievement on provincial, school-leaving examinations and their socioeconomic status, which was based on parental income and education. The sample included both high- and low-achieving schools to identify the factors that appeared to contribute to, or inhibit, student success. The report begins with an overview of the study and a brief synopsis of recent school-effectiveness and school-improvement literature. The characteristics of the schools and a brief portrait of each school are provided, followed by an analysis of the patterns and behaviors found in the sample. Case studies were prepared that used a qualitative method and a common framework. The findings show that each school was trying to adapt to rapidly changing environments. The common elements of success found among the schools were positive attitudes and high expectations, strong and vigilant administration, a focus on academic achievement, and recognition of the need to be accountable for performance. (Contains 27 references.) (RJM)