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Citation:

Reyes, P., & Phillips, J. C. (2001). Transforming public schools: Year two summary report. Houston, TX: The Houston Annenberg Challenge. http://www.utexas.edu/projects/annenberg/SummaryReport2.pdf.

Annotation:
This article reports evaluation results for a school reform effort initiated by a coalition of business leaders, foundations, educators, and university personnel. The Houston Annenberg Challenge (HAC) raised funds with the goal of improving public schools in Houston, Texas. Funding for selected schools included support for technical assistance, professional development, curriculum resources and materials, and funding to help develop parent community support for school reform. Their theory of action included an emphasis on local planning and ownership of reform efforts. Outcomes were assessed in three broad areasÐstudent outcomes, school development, and building support for systemic change. Comparisons were made between three different cohorts of Houston Annenberg Challenge (HAC)-funded schools, as well as with the overall Houston school district (HISD). The evaluation found that students at HAC elementary schools outperformed students at non-funded HISD schools in reading. All Annenberg-funded middle and high schools outperformed HISD schools in both reading and mathematics achievement. No differences in dropout rate were found between funded and non-funded schools, but both groups showed declines. Also, the more established HAC schools narrowed the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students, and low SES and non-low SES students, in reading and mathematics. There was no change in the gap between native and non-native English speakersÕ achievement. The evaluation also discusses positive changes in the following areas: teacher learning, building learning communities, curriculum innovations and new teaching and learning environments. HAC schools also created significant links with both parents and the community. Data were collected from a variety of sources, both qualitative and quantitative, including state achievement test data, funded schoolsÕ annual reports, stakeholder perception surveys, direct observation, and interviews. This article provides a good case example of how specific school reform strategies have been successful in raising student achievement and transforming school environments.