A study recently presented at the American Educational Research Association Conference in New Orleans showed that the teaching methods implemented by the West Metro Education Program's (WMEP) FAIR School Crystal have been successful in improving standardized test scores. Compared with eight other Minnesota schools, the practices employed by the teachers at WMEP have resulted in greater academic achievement among low-income students.
Commenting on the study, Daniel L. Jett - the superintendent of WMEP - stated that "We who work with children from varied backgrounds at WMEP's magnet schools have always known that if the adults in their lives believe these students can learn - even those who are disadvantaged - they are much more likely to do so."
The results of this report will be used to help Minnesota educators develop better K-12 curriculum programs and lesson plans. Currently, there is a debate taking place within the state government as to how student performance can be improvement at the same time that budget cuts in education are being enacted.
