An Evaluation of Public Montessori Education in South Carolina

• In Event: 30.081 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 30.081-6 - Program Evaluation With a Purpose: Creating Equal Opportunities for Learning in Schools

Abstract

This paper describes a multi-year, mixed-method study of public Montessori programs in South Carolina. The evaluation is the largest, most comprehensive study of public Montessori education in the United States. To examine fidelity to the Montessori model, researchers used principal surveys and classroom observations for all public programs in the state. This information was combined with student record data. Using a matching approach, the authors identified traditional public school students to compare to the Montessori participants on academic and behavioral outcomes. The paper examines many important topics, such as the type of students who participate in public Montessori programs, how Montessori education is being implemented, how fidelity relates to student achievement, and how Montessori education may affect educational inequalities.

Authors

• David J. Fleming, Furman University

• Brooke Culclasure, Furman University