Schools of Opportunity: 10 Research-Based Models of Equity in Action

The National Education Policy Center’s Schools of Opportunity project was designed to highlight public high schools that are using research-based practices for closing opportunity gaps in student learning. The project recognizes schools that are working to address the needs of all students, regardless of their zip codes or their school’s average test scores. By embracing a shift away from the nation’s myopic focus on standardized test scores, the program’s focus is on inputs-access to equitable, exemplary policies and practices that students experience every school day-not outcomes. This follows from research findings that schools alone cannot fix the problems created by the stark inequalities in our society. Instead, schools should be expected to do their part by responding to inequities with research-based practices. The book features case studies of schools that demonstrate key criteria that other schools can emulate, such as an inclusive school climate, support for language-minority students, performance-based assessment, teacher professionalism, a commitment to detracking, and supports for students in need. Schools of Opportunity builds an argument for shifting the way that excellent public high schools are recognized and built.

Book Features:

Provides accounts of school reform, jointly told by researcher-practitioner teams, connecting current research with successful efforts of educators to create outstanding learning environments. Brings together the voices of principals and school leaders who share stories of how their work has unfolded in their school, district, and state contexts.
Identifies the school leadership and teacher practices that close opportunity gaps for student learning, and what it takes to implement them.