NCJ Number
117068
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Improving academic achievement was the major goal of a successful effort to improve the junior high schools in the District of Columbia.
Abstract
The program was mandated by the superintendent and was developed by the central administration in August 1980. It focused on actions that could be taken without additional resources, personnel, or time. The first step was to consider the opinions of junior high school principals and teachers. Next, school test scores were analyzed, and Jefferson Junior High, located in a less affluent neighborhood but with scores above the national norm, was chosen as a model. Its students were similar to those from other neighborhoods, but they had taken part in prior years in a program to improve achievement. A plan based on the Jefferson experience was developed and termed the Intensive Junior High School Instruction. It focused on improving achievement in reading and mathematics to emphasize that learning, not time-passing was the purpose of the junior high experience. Findings from research on academic learning time were also included in the plan. Thus, the plan emphasized the reduction of distractions, extra time to make sure all students understood new tasks, provision of more structured learning environments, frequent homework assignments, and other components. Specialized training for principals and written parental agreement resulted in improved ninth grade test scores.