Comprehensive School Reform

Challenges and Opportunities for School Improvement: Recommendations for Urban School Principals

“…One approach to improve learning, known as Comprehensive School Reform (CSR), focuses on systemic reform rather than piecemeal tinkering (Slavin, 2007). Systematic CSR increases chances for real change as opposed to merely toying with one or two areas in school operations.…”

“…Systematic CSR increases chances for real change as opposed to merely toying with one or two areas in school operations. CSR’s aim is to improve student achievement in a holistic way, not in isolated silos (Slavin, 2007). This approach is important because it attempts to address related functions and programs in schools rather than focus on only one aspect.…”

“…The U.S. Department of Education suggests that CSR models of school reform should include coordination of resources, research-based strategies, comprehensive design, professional development, measurable goals and benchmarks, support within schools, parental and community involvement, external technical support, along with evaluation strategies (Slavin, 2007). These strategies remain true today.…”

“…These strategies remain true today. CSR models often include innovative tactics directed at curriculum and instruction while focusing on staff working collaboratively toward a school vision and objectives through realistic strategies (Slavin, 2007). Proponents of CSR advocate for simultaneous improvement in curriculum, leadership, and teaching to successfully reform urban schools.…”

Investigating the impact of an urban community school effort on middle school STEM‐related student outcomes over time through propensity score matched methods

“…Community schools are comprehensive in nature, in fact, most programming elements found in these schools mirror efforts inherent in CSR reforms including those described by Slavin (): coordination of resources, research‐based strategies, comprehensive designs, professional development, measurable goals and benchmarks, support within the school, parental and community involvement, and external technical support and assistance. Differences between CSR reform initiatives and community schools are situated in the focus of the latter on reducing risk and increasing opportunities for students living in poverty (Min, Anderson, & Chen, ), and the intentional aim to improve academic outcomes while simultaneously strengthening communities (Green & Gooden, ).…”