Setting
The study includes 62 schools across 11 urban school districts in the U.S. All are high-need schools that serve large shares of poor and minority students and are eligible for Title I funds.
Study sample
The intervention group analysis sample of cohort 2 students was 54 percent black, 37 percent Hispanic, 4 percent Asian, 4 percent white, 1 percent of another race, 55 percent male, 18 percent English Language Learners, 19 percent eligible for special education, and 32 percent overage for grade.
The comparison group analysis sample of cohort 2 students was 62 percent black, 28 percent Hispanic, 5 percent Asian, 5 percent white, 1 percent of another race, 54 percent male, 17 percent English Language Learners, 17 percent eligible for special education, and 32 percent overage for grade.
Characteristics of cohort 1 students is not presented in the report.
Intervention Group
Diplomas Now is a school wide, multiyear intervention. There are 9 key inputs, organized by pillar.
Pillar 1: teacher teams and small learning communities - input is strong learning environments (extended class periods, interdisciplinary teams with common planning time)
Pillar 2: curriculum and instruction with professional development - inputs are professional development and peer coaching (math and ELA instructional coaching, principal leadership network) and curriculum for college readiness (academic reform curriculum, transitional support classes)
Pillar 3: tiered student supports - inputs are tiered intervention model (early warning system and response meetings), student supports (tutoring, mentoring, near-peer role modeling, after-school programs), and student case management (needs assessment, counseling, specialized interventions)
Pillar 4: can-do culture and climate - inputs are integrated on-site support (transformation facilitator, site coordinator, City Year AmeriCorps members, instructional coaches) and family and community involvement (school events, parent and community outreach, community services).
The ninth input (spanning all pillars) is program staff training and development (Diplomas Now Summer Institute for school-based staff members, national Diplomas Now Implementation Support Team).
Comparison Group
Control group students were randomly assigned to a business-as-usual comparison condition.
Support for implementation
A key component of the Diplomas Now program is staff training and development, including a Diplomas Now Summer Institute for school-based staff members and interaction with the Diplomas Now Implementation Support Team. The program model also includes three key partners that support implementation: Talent Development Secondary; City Year; and Communities in Schools.