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Citation:

Cohn, K. C., & Cohn, C. A. (1999). School improvement initiatives in Long Beach California: The quest for higher student achievement, behavior, and dress standards. Education, 119(2), 181-195

Annotation:
This article describes educational improvement initiatives in the diverse urban community of Long Beach, CA that have moved parents and community to adopt higher standards for all students. It describes seven initiatives and their initial successes focused on student achievement, behavior, and dress. The initiatives include content standards for all students, K-3 literacy, 8th grade educational improvement measures, 11th grade writing, promotion/retention standards for students K-8, and school uniforms. The article takes a detailed look into the role of the school districtÕs partnership with two local higher education institutions in efforts to improve student achievement in written composition. The authors suggest that the collaboration between the public schools and higher education institutions added value for all partners. They state that the work of the partnership takes on greater significance because there is a common understanding that standards serve as a road map for teaching and learning and that all faculty P-18 are accountable for their studentsÕ learning. The authors stress the need for schools to take time to involve as many people as possible from all parts of the districtÐthe broader education community, parents, and business partnersÐto ensure ultimate ownership and support for a meaningful standards-based education system. This article reports descriptive information based on personal experience and observation.