Schools of Opportunity: 10 Research-Based Models of Equity in Action

Schools of Opportunity emphasizes the importance of recognizing and building excellent schools that use research-based practices to address opportunity gaps in student learning. The project highlights public high schools that are working to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their average test scores. The book provides case studies of schools that have successfully implemented key criteria such as an inclusive school climate, support for language-minority students, performance-based assessment, teacher professionalism, a commitment to detracking, and supports for students in need. It connects current research with successful efforts of educators to create outstanding learning environments and identifies the school leadership and teacher practices that close opportunity gaps for student learning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

Schools of Opportunity presents a compelling case for transforming the way we recognize and establish excellent schools. The Schools of Opportunity project, initiated by the National Education Policy Center, seeks to showcase public high schools that employ research-based practices to address opportunity gaps in student learning. This project recognizes schools that strive to meet the diverse needs of all students, irrespective of their average test scores. By adopting this inclusive approach, we shift our focus away from narrow outcomes and towards a more holistic view of education.

Research findings underscore the limitations of schools in addressing the deep-rooted inequalities prevalent in our society. Instead, schools should be held accountable for responding to these inequities through evidence-based practices. This book offers valuable insights through case studies of schools that exemplify key criteria for success. These include creating an inclusive school climate, providing support for language-minority students, implementing performance-based assessment, fostering teacher professionalism, eliminating tracking systems, and addressing the needs of students with diverse backgrounds.

Key Features of the Book:

• Provides accounts of school reform, jointly narrated by researcher-practitioner teams, bridging current research with successful educators' efforts to create outstanding learning environments.
• Engages the voices of principals and school leaders, sharing their personal stories of how their work has unfolded in their school, district, and state contexts.
• Identifies the school leadership and teacher practices that effectively close opportunity gaps for student learning, and the challenges and strategies involved in implementing them.

By embracing these shifts and emulating the practices showcased in this book, schools can strive to create environments that foster equitable opportunities, promote student growth, and prepare individuals for success in an ever-changing world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807768372