Talent Development High School Model
About the Intervention
Talent Development High School Model is a comprehensive school reform initiative targeting low-performing urban high schools. The model focuses intensively on ninth grade through the Ninth Grade Success Academy, which reorganizes ninth-graders into small learning communities of 100-125 students taught by dedicated teacher teams. Students receive double doses of English and math using extended 90-minute block scheduling, with specialized catch-up courses (Transition to Advanced Mathematics and Strategic Reading) in the first semester preparing them for required courses in the second semester. The model includes a Freshman Seminar for study skills and social adjustment. For grades 10-12, students are organized into Career Academies (small learning communities of 250-350 students around career themes) that provide college-preparatory curriculum and work-based learning. Implementation requires professional development for teachers, curriculum coaches, and an organizational facilitator at each school. The model also includes a Twilight Academy for students with attendance or discipline problems.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on attendance rates
Positive effect: on total credits earned
Positive effect: on earning basic academic curriculum
Positive effect: on earning English credits
Positive effect: on earning math credits
Positive effect: on earning algebra credits
Positive effect: on promotion to tenth grade
Positive effect: on promotion to eleventh grade
Positive effect: on total credits earned over two years
Positive effect: on earning two English and two math credits
Positive effect: on total credits earned over three years
Positive effect: on earning three English and three math credits
Positive effect: on math test scores (below-basic level reduction)
Positive effect: on graduation rates (earliest-implementing schools)
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Disciplinary Infractions, Economically Disadvantaged, Attendance, Drop-Outs, Social-Emotional LearningPrograms & Services
General Education, Career and Technical EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
Herlihy, C. M., Kemple, J. J. & Smith, T. J. (2005). Making Progress Toward Graduation: Evidence from the Talent Development High School Model (ED485348). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED485348.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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