Small High Schools and Academic Achievement – New York City

Small NYC high schools found to boost achievement, By Karen Matthews (AP), June 22, 2010, Washington Post: “They were known as dropout factories: big high schools in poor neighborhoods where only a quarter to a third of students graduated. New York City under Mayor Michael Bloomberg has systematically shut down large, failing high schools and replaced them with small schools, many pegged to themes like the fashion industry or the business of sports. A new study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – which has invested more than $150 million in New York City schools – suggests that the small schools have succeeded in boosting graduation rates for the city’s most academically challenged students. Proponents say small schools can provide one-on-one support to struggling students, and the specialized programs are supposed to improve students’ motivation by enticing them to apply to schools that match their interests…”