MDRC is informing the education policy debate by bringing to the evaluation of education initiatives the rigor that has made it one of the nation’s most renowned sources of authority for what works in programs targeted to meet the needs of low-income populations.  more

Making Progress Toward Graduation: Evidence from the Talent Development High School Project MDRC’s study of Talent Development, a program meant to lower dropout rates and increase academic success in low-performing high schools, produced encouraging results. In this seven-minute video, researcher Corinne Herlihy summarizes the findings. Alternate QuickTime Version Ninth-Grade Attendance Rates Predict High School Graduation Resources from Institute of Education Sciences’ Training Institute Now Available Maclean’s Magazine Focuses on Opportunity NYC MDRC’s Ivry and Kemple Receive Award from the National Career Academy Coalition

The Enhanced Reading Opportunities Study Early Impact and Implementation Findings This report presents early findings from a demonstration and random assignment evaluation of two supplemental literacy programs that aim to improve the reading comprehension skills and school performance of struggling ninth-grade readers. On average, the programs produced a positive, statistically significant impact on reading comprehension among students. Instructional Leadership, Teaching Quality, and Student Achievement Suggestive Evidence from Three Urban School Districts State- and District-Level Support for Successful Transitions into High School Toward Ensuring a Successful Transition into High School