Blueprint Schools Network (Blueprint) is a nonprofit organization that partners with school districts and state departments of education. The organization promotes equal education and improves life outcomes for students in the lowest performing schools. Blueprint partnered with Boston Public Schools (BPS) to provide operational support for three low-performing schools to implement strategies to improve student achievement.
 
Study Goals:
The goal of the evaluation was to assess whether program implementation aligned with the Blueprint model and the effectiveness of the Blueprint model.
 
Research Questions:
The evaluation featured both implementation and impact questions. The research questions were:
  • Implementation Questions:
    • Was the Blueprint focus area of Excellence in Leadership and Instruction implemented accurately at the schools?
    • Was the Blueprint focus area of Increased Instructional Time implemented accurately at the schools?
    • Was the Blueprint focus area of Using Data to Improve Instruction and Learning implemented accurately at the schools?
    • Was the Blueprint focus area of A Culture of High Expectations implemented accurately at the schools?
    • Was the Blueprint focus area of Daily Tutoring in Critical Growth Years implemented accurately at the schools?
  • Impact Question:
    • Did attending a Blueprint School instead of another school in BPS improve students’ test scores?
Findings:
The evaluation found the following:
  • The Blueprint model met most of its implementation targets overall, although it had limited success implementing the Math Fellows program at one site.
  • There is some evidence to suggest Blueprint appears to have increased student achievement in these schools.
  • The Blueprint model appears to have improved achievement trajectories for students over time.
For more information, download the full report and report brief.
 

Further information

Program/Intervention
Blueprint School Turnaround Model
Implementing Organization
Blueprint Schools Network
Intermediary(s)

GreenLight Fund

AmeriCorps Program(s)
Social Innovation Fund
Age(s) Studied
6-12 (Childhood)
13-17 (Adolescent)
Outcome Category
K-12 success
Study Type(s)
Impact
Implementation
Level of Evidence
Moderate
Researcher/Evaluator
John Papay & Matthew Kraft
Published Year
2018
Study Site Location (State)
Massachusetts