Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Abstract

The School Site Visits study is part of the fifth series of annual reports produced by the School Choice Demonstration Project (SCDP). It describes some of the major challenges experienced and common practices demonstrated by thirteen (13) K-12 schools participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP). During the 2010-11 school year, there were 107 religious and secular schools participating in the MPCP. This report is based on visits to six of the high schools and seven K-8 schools that collectively reflect the wide range of characteristics associated with participating schools. This includes whether schools scored above or below average on the 2010-11 Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations in math and reading. Teams of researchers from the SCDP conducted one-day visits to each school during the spring and fall of 2011. Using a variety of interview, survey and observation instruments, the research teams gathered information about school practices in six general areas: (1) school culture, (2) student academic success, (3) effective leadership, (4) teacher quality, (5) religious integration and accommodation, and (6) school facilities. We use the data collected during the visits to describe the most common challenges the schools face and the common practices and strategies they use to overcome these challenges. Overall, a number of general lessons were learned.

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