Illinois Horizon Schools: Ongoing Research From the Illinois' Schools to Watch Program

• In Event: Teaching and Leading in the Middle Grades: Exploring Elements of the Middle Grades Concept

Abstract

Currently, there is a paucity of research concerning the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform’s Schools to Watch national school improvement program. Of the handful of existing studies, very few have examined or addressed student learning or achievement. This research is an attempt to systematically collect, organize, and analyze the data from the nearly 40 Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch (IHSTW)—schools participating in the National Forum’s Schools to Watch program. The study will address research questions addressing the demographic characteristics of the IHSTW school, levels of implementation of best middle level practices and how they vary based on time involved in the program, and the impact of the IHSTW program on student achievement.

Authors

• Steven B. Mertens, Illinois State University

• Kristina Nicole Falbe, Illinois State University