Many school districts are basing their school improvement efforts on the research on effective schools, but there are concerns about the way in which some of the studies were conducted and about our ability to apply conclusions drawn from them to other districts. What are the concerns about the research studies on effective schools, and how would you caution districts that consider using this

Question

information?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER: First, there is confusion about the definition of effective schools. Many of the studies were conducted in inner-city elementary schools where academic achievement was higher than in most other schools with similarly disadvantaged students. Although conclusions were drawn from these studies, researchers caution that the strategies used for school improvement in these schools may not be appropriate in schools with different characteristics. Methodological problems with the research are noted. Finally, questions are raised about how the recommendations can actually be applied in the school setting.