The Analysis of Student Demographics and School and Community Characteristics of Michigan Focus Schools

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Turning Around Underperforming Schools: Unpacking the Role of Teachers, Schools, and Communities

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of focus schools in the past five cycle years. I classify the characteristics of focus schools in school, student and community dimensions, and compared with other accountability labeled schools (reward and priority school) and average public schools in Michigan. This study analyzes schools that have remained designated as focus for several years and then exited or returned to the focus school list. Focus schools that stayed for several years are more likely to have diverse student population, charter school, and less wealthier area schools. Designating focus schools with the reason of wide achievement gaps should consider other economic and demographic characteristics. The interventions for the focus schools should include these characteristics.

Author

• Dongsook Han, Michigan State University