University of California Linguistic Minority Research Institute. [n.d.] California Dropout Research Project. Santa Barbara, CA: California Dropout Research Project. (website)

http://www.lmri.ucsb.edu/dropouts/

“The purpose of this project is to synthesize existing research and undertake new research to inform policymakers and the larger public about the nature of—and potential solutions to—the dropout problem in California.” The project has produced a series of statistical and policy briefs, reports, and research syntheses. A February 2008 report documents “systemic solutions to solving California’s dropout crisis, based on building the capacity of the key educational institutions in the state.”

Rolf K. Blank, R. K., de las Alas, N., & Smith, C. (2008 February). Does Teacher Professional Development Have Effects on Teaching and Learning? Evaluation Findings from Programs in 14 States. Washington, D.C.: Council of Chief State School Officers.

http://www.ccsso.org/publications/details.cfm?PublicationID=364

“CCSSO reviewed evaluation studies from 25 professional development programs for teachers of mathematics and science from programs nominated by 14 states. The evaluation study reports and papers served as the data sources for the present analysis and paper. The reports primarily address evaluation findings from professional development activities conducted during the period 2004 through 2007.”