A Comprehensive Early Intervention Program Improving the Academic Performance of Urban Public School Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Issues and Programs in Urban Education

Abstract

Public education is essential for all children, especially from diverse backgrounds. High-quality public education, however, is not equally available in every school, particularly urban public schools, leading to an achievement gap. Early intervention programs were established to reduce this gap (e.g., Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness in Undergraduate Programs – GEARUP). This paper examines GEARUP effectiveness in urban public schools using longitudinal multilevel modeling for five years of data. Program exposure significantly predicted end-of-year academic performance after controlling for student-level characteristics and random school effects and is effective in reducing the gap between initially low- and high-achieving students. Rigorous evidence from our study reinforces the importance of comprehensive early intervention programs to the academic success of urban public school students.

Authors

• Audra B. Morrison, University of Cincinnati

• Qing Duan

• Jacinda K. Dariotis, University of Cincinnati

• Sinem Toraman, University of Cincinnati