Current Research

Higher Achievement Impact Study

In October 2011, Higher Achievement became one of the first organizations focused on out-of-school time that can offer proven results with the release of a groundbreaking longitudinal, independent evaluation showing that the intensive year-round program had a significant impact on youth’s standardized test scores. The summer and 24-month preliminary evaluation, conducted by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) and Dr. Leigh Linden from The University of Texas at Austin, showed that Higher Achievement’s program helps close the opportunity gap during the critical middle school years—the time experts say is the pivot point for future success in both school and life. The study finds that Higher Achievement’s program significantly increases students’ math and reading scores.  Additionally, the findings point to an increase in students’ desire to attend competitive high schools.

Click here to read more about the Higher Achievement Impact Study

The importance of middle school

A student's 8th grade achievement level is the greatest predictor of his or her college and career readiness. Developing strong academic behaviors and attitudes in upper elementary and middle grades is critical: It prepares students for the rigorous study they will need to succeed in high school and graduate career and college ready.
The Forgotten Middle: Ensuring that All Students are on Target for College and Career Readiness Before High School. ACT, 2008

Out-of-school time and summer programs

Out-of-school time (OST) programs are an essential part of any strategy to improve the life chances and outcomes for youth, particularly disadvantaged youth. High-quality OST programs help young people develop important skills, supplement academic learning, connect with caring adults, and support their own healthy development — all in supervised, safe, and engaging environments. High-quality, trained, caring staff are critical for achieving youth outcomes through OST programs.
Helping Youth Succeed Through Out-of-School Time Programs. American Youth Policy Forum, 2006.
 
This brief provides research-based best practices for maintaining strong partnerships between afterschool/summer learning programs and students' schools.
Supporting Student Outcomes Through Expanded Learning Opportunities. Harvard Family Research Project. January 2009.

This fact sheet outlines research-based best practices for summer programs. It focuses on practices that are shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, including recommendations for staffing, aligning curriculum, and designing engaging activities.
What Works for Summer Learning Programs for Low-Income Children. Child Trends Fact Sheet, September 2009.

This report provides seven recommendations to promote quality summer learning, including curriculum, staffing, assessment, and partnership.
Building Quality in Summer Learning Programs: Approaches and Recommendations. National Summer Learning Association. September 2009.

Mentoring

This guide includes six evidence-based standards that address mentor and mentee recruitment; screening; training; matching; monitoring and support; and closure. Further, this resource includes practical advice in building a new mentoring program or strengthening an existing one. It focuses on program design and planning, program management, and program evaluation.
Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. MENTOR, 2009.