Urban School Systems and Education Reform: Key Lessons From a Case Study of Large Urban School Systems

Abstract

Foundations for Success, a study conducted by MDRC for the Council of the Great City Schools, examined the reform efforts of 3 large urban school districts and a portion of a 4th that had been successful in improving student achievement and reducing racial achievement gaps. This article summarizes the key findings of the study and discusses the implications for research and technical assistance. A full description of the study, methodology, and findings can be found in Foundations for Success: Case Studies of How Urban School Systems Improve Student Achievement (Snipes, Doolittle, & Herlihy, 2002).