School Closing Policy
About the Intervention
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.
Statistical Findings
Negative effect: on reading achievement during announcement year
Negative effect: on math achievement during announcement year
No effect: on reading achievement one year after closing
No effect: on math achievement one year after closing
No effect: on reading achievement two years after closing
No effect: on math achievement two years after closing
No effect: on reading achievement three years after closing
No effect: on math achievement three years after closing
Negative effect: on Summer Bridge enrollment
Positive effect: on school mobility during academic year
Positive effect: on school mobility during summer
No effect: on retention rates
No effect: on special education referrals
No effect: on high school on-track rates
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
N/ADelivery Methods
N/ADisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Schoolwide Policy, DistrictwideCitation
Gwynne, J. & Marisa, d. l. T. (2009). When Schools Close: Effects on Displaced Students in Chicago Public Schools. Research Report (ED510792). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED510792.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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