Find the best evidence-based interventions for your students

Linguistic Modification of Math Test Items

7th Grade, 8th Grade

Linguistic Modification of Math Test Items is a test accommodation that reduces the language complexity of mathematics test items without altering the mathematical construct being assessed. The accommodation targets middle school students (grades 7-8), particularly English language learners and non-English-language-arts-proficient students. Two sets of 25 multiple-choice math items were developed: one with original items from released state and national assessments, and one with linguistically modified versions of those items. Items were selected from measurement and number sense/operations content strands. Linguistic modification strategies included reducing sentence length and complexity, using common or familiar words, changing passive to active voice, simplifying grammatical structures, and using concrete language. The item sets were administered in paper-pencil format during one class period (approximately 50 minutes). Students worked individually at their desks, circling responses in test booklets. Calculator use was allowed. Before operational testing, items underwent expert review, cognitive interviews with students, and pilot testing to ensure appropriate linguistic modification without construct alteration. Test administrators (classroom teachers) followed standardized protocols, and materials included test directions in English and Spanish.

2010

0.0 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Teacher Advancement Program (TAP)

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

The Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) is a schoolwide reform program designed to improve schools by raising teacher quality. Under the TAP model, teachers can earn extra pay and responsibilities through promotion to mentor or master teacher positions, as well as annual performance bonuses based on a combination of their value added to student achievement and observed classroom performance. The program targets K-8 elementary schools and includes weekly meetings of teachers and mentors (cluster groups) and regular classroom observations by a school leadership team to help teachers meet their performance goals. Chicago TAP specifically includes performance pay for principals and other school staff in addition to teachers. Teachers receive performance bonuses (averaging $1,100 in year one and $2,653 in year two), mentor teachers receive $7,000 per year, and lead teachers receive $15,000 as salary augmentation. The program is implemented through face-to-face delivery with professional development and training required for staff before implementation.

2010

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

School Closing Policy

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

Between 2001 and 2006, Chicago Public Schools closed 18 elementary schools for either underutilization (low enrollment relative to capacity) or chronic underperformance (low academic achievement). The policy required displaced students to transfer to new schools, with CPS designating nearby receiving schools with redrawn attendance boundaries. Students could also apply to any CPS school with available seats. The intervention affected 5,445 students in kindergarten through eighth grade who had to leave their schools and enroll elsewhere. Most designated receiving schools were in close proximity to closing schools, though families were informed they could apply to higher-performing schools across the district. The policy aimed to improve educational outcomes by moving students from failing schools to academically stronger environments and to reduce costs by closing underutilized buildings.

2009

Cost per student

N/A

Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Middle Schools

5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is a network of charter middle schools designed to transform educational opportunities for low-income families and prepare students to enroll and succeed in college. KIPP middle schools typically serve grades 5-8 and are distinguished by five pillars: high expectations for all students regardless of background, choice and commitment from students/parents/faculty, more time on learning (extended school days/weeks/years), power to lead for principals with budget and personnel accountability, and focus on results through regular assessment. The program actively engages students and parents, expands time and effort students devote to studies, reinforces social competencies and positive behaviors, and aims to dramatically improve academic achievement. KIPP schools are public charter schools of choice that students and families actively decide to attend.

2010

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Problem Based Economics

11th Grade, 12th Grade

Problem Based Economics is a curriculum developed by the Buck Institute for Education that uses problem-based instruction to teach high school economics. The curriculum consists of nine modules, with five modules used in this study covering fundamental economics concepts aligned with state standards. Each module takes 4-15 instructional days and uses real-world economic problems as the basis for student learning. Teachers received a five-day professional development workshop during summer 2007, followed by ongoing support through group conference calls and direct access to developers throughout the 2007/08 academic year. The curriculum was designed for grade 11-12 students in regular economics courses and implemented over two consecutive semesters. Teachers used the five modules to cover approximately 50-70 percent of their economics curriculum content. The intervention included specific curricular materials, professional development training, and ongoing teacher support to implement problem-based pedagogical strategies in economics classrooms.

2010

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP)

3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade

The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) provides government-funded vouchers (maximum $6,607 in 2008-09) for low-income children to attend private schools (secular or religious) in the City of Milwaukee. Approximately 20,000 children use vouchers to attend private schools. The program serves students in grades K-12. Students receive instruction in private schools using the voucher funding. The evaluation compares a random sample of MPCP students to a matched sample of Milwaukee Public School (MPS) students, with matching based on neighborhood location, baseline test scores, and demographic information.

2010

Cost per student

N/A

Kindergarten PAVEd for Success (K-PAVE)

Kindergarten

Kindergarten PAVEd for Success (K-PAVE) is a 24-week vocabulary instruction program designed to increase students' expressive vocabulary in kindergarten. The program is built around three instructional components: Explicit Vocabulary Instruction (New Vehicles), which involves explicit instruction of 240 target vocabulary words using word-learning strategies, exposure to vocabulary words embedded in storybooks through repeated reading, and hands-on extension activities; Interactive Book Reading (CAR Talk), which involves teacher engagement of children during story reading through questions that promote comprehension and oral language skills; and Adult-Child Conversations (Building Bridges), which involves frequent teacher conversations with individual or small groups of students to provide opportunities for teachers to use new vocabulary and for students to increase their productive use of new vocabulary and oral language skills. K-PAVE is implemented as a supplement to regular kindergarten literacy instruction. Teachers receive two days of initial group training, three follow-up telephone conference calls, and up to three rounds of classroom observation and remediation support.

2010

Moderate

24 Weeks

Cost per student

$1,486.27

Dual Enrollment

11th Grade, 12th Grade

Dual Enrollment allows high school students to complete college courses before graduating from high school, often earning dual credit for both high school and college. The intervention enables students to experience real college coursework while still in high school, typically during their junior or senior years. Students can take various college courses including English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, vocational education, physical education, foreign languages, arts, and computer courses. These courses can be offered on college campuses or high school campuses through partnerships between school districts and postsecondary institutions. The program aims to enhance college readiness by giving students direct experience with college-level academic expectations and coursework.

2012

Cost per student

N/A

Quality English and Science Teaching (QuEST)

6th Grade

Quality English and Science Teaching (QuEST) is a science curriculum intervention designed for middle grade English language learners and their English-proficient classmates. The program targets sixth grade students studying Living Systems and the Environment. QuEST combines inquiry-based science instruction (based on the BSCS approach emphasizing hands-on experimentation) with scaffolding techniques specifically designed for English language learners. Key features include consistent use of visuals (vocabulary illustrations and graphic organizers), activity previews, explicit vocabulary instruction of general and discipline-specific terms, and pairing of ELLs with English-proficient students as language models. The intervention is delivered face-to-face over 9 weeks in regular science classrooms. Materials include teacher guides with instructional charts, student guides with instructional charts, and hands-on science activity supplies. Teachers receive three training sessions plus ongoing weekly mentoring to learn how to encourage student expression, build on student experiences, and guide students to increasingly sophisticated understanding and language use.

2010

9 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

NYC School-Wide Bonus Program

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

The NYC School-Wide Bonus Program is a group-based teacher incentive pay program implemented in New York City public schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Schools randomly selected into the treatment group were eligible to earn school-level bonuses based primarily on student achievement on state math and reading exams. Schools that achieved target scores or received an 'A' accountability grade for two consecutive years received bonuses of $3,000 per union teacher, while schools meeting 75% of the target score received $1,500 per union teacher. The program required 55% of a school's United Federation of Teachers staff to vote in favor of participation. Each participating school formed a four-member compensation committee to determine bonus distribution schemes after exams. The program was implemented in the 2007-2008 school year and continued in 2008-2009, with 181 schools originally selected for the treatment group (128 assigned to treatment, 53 to control) from high-poverty schools.

2010

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

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