Leading Schools of Excellence and Equity
Closing Achievement Gaps Via Academic Optimism Exploring Best Practices and Documenting Effective Strategies
Paperback
Lieferzeit: Print on Demand - Lieferbar innerhalb von 3-5 Werktagen I
ISBN-13:
9781617351198
Veröffentl:
2010
Einband:
Paperback
Erscheinungsdatum:
26.10.2010
Seiten:
130
Autor:
Jennifer L. Benkovitz
Gewicht:
210 g
Format:
234x156x7 mm
Sprache:
Englisch
Beschreibung:
The purpose of this empirical inquiry of state-recognized "Honor Schools of Excellence"was to explore how these schools of distinction are (or are not) promoting and supporting
both academic excellence and systemic equity for all students. In Phase One, quantitative data
were collected through equity audits to scan for and then document systemic patterns of equity
and inequity across multiple domains of student learning and activities within 24 schools. In
Phase Two, the 24 schools were ranked, based solely on minority achievement, and then separated
into two types of schools, small gap (SG) schools and large gap (LG) schools. Through site
visits (n=16) and the use of semi-structured interviews with principals, assistant principals, teachers, and parent leaders (n=80), qualitative
data were then collected to document best practices and effective strategies that principals use to confront and change past practices
anchored in open and residual racism and class discrimination. The data were analyzed through the theoretical framework of academic
optimism.
Three differences between the SG schools and the LG schools were found (encouraging academic achievement, offering
instructional feedback, and expecting excellence). To truly honor excellence, we need to embrace equity. As such, in schools where
principals support, model, and monitor a teamwork approach, a balanced approach, a strong sense of purpose, and an insistent disposition
to assure that all students are served well and that all are encouraged to perform at their
highest level, the outcomes of interest are better.
both academic excellence and systemic equity for all students. In Phase One, quantitative data
were collected through equity audits to scan for and then document systemic patterns of equity
and inequity across multiple domains of student learning and activities within 24 schools. In
Phase Two, the 24 schools were ranked, based solely on minority achievement, and then separated
into two types of schools, small gap (SG) schools and large gap (LG) schools. Through site
visits (n=16) and the use of semi-structured interviews with principals, assistant principals, teachers, and parent leaders (n=80), qualitative
data were then collected to document best practices and effective strategies that principals use to confront and change past practices
anchored in open and residual racism and class discrimination. The data were analyzed through the theoretical framework of academic
optimism.
Three differences between the SG schools and the LG schools were found (encouraging academic achievement, offering
instructional feedback, and expecting excellence). To truly honor excellence, we need to embrace equity. As such, in schools where
principals support, model, and monitor a teamwork approach, a balanced approach, a strong sense of purpose, and an insistent disposition
to assure that all students are served well and that all are encouraged to perform at their
highest level, the outcomes of interest are better.