Bernstein, L., Millsap, M. A., Schimmenti, J., & Page, L. (2008 May). Implementation Study of Smaller Learning Communities: Final Report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Policy and Program Studies Service.

http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/other/small-communities/final-report.pdf

Eighteen schools with the highest student participation in and degree of SLC implementation of freshman and career academies were selected for case studies. The study addresses three major research questions: How are schools implementing SLCs—what are the principal strategies, models, and practices implemented? What are the factors facilitating and inhibiting implementation in SLC schools? How do outcomes for SLC schools, as measured by student achievement and school behavior, change over time?

Scott, C. & Kelleher, M. (2008, April). The Sit Down Dinner: Formalizing Restructuring Under the No Child Left Behind Act in Michigan. . Washington, DC: Center on Education Policy

The Sit Down Dinner

This report used research and case studies to describe Michigan’s school restructuring efforts. Key findings from the report include (1) more Michigan schools are in restructuring due to a greater number of high schools entering restructuring; (2) the state offers additional assistance and monitoring to restructuring schools through intermediate school districts and other regional entities; (3) turnaround specialists remain the most popular restructuring option; and (4) federal Title I funds increased, but state financial difficulties hinder restructuring.