For California, the SIG Program Has Shown Some Success, Study Finds
A new study found student test scores improved in California’s lowest-achieving campuses that implemented aggressive reform measures, suggesting the federal School Improvement Grant program is showing early promise in the Golden State.
The federal SIG dollars – with more than $4.6 billion awarded nationally since 2009 -- are earmarked for schools ranking in the bottom 5 percent for student achievement in each state. California received over $400 million in SIG funds, the most of any state, and the first-round grant awards went to 82 of its lowest-performing campuses.
Thomas S. Dee, a professor of public policy and economics at the University of Virginia, compared California public schools that were “just eligible” enough to receive the SIG funds with those that were “just ineligible.” Both groups shared similar baseline characteristics, including staffing, student demographics and prior achievement.
The federal SIG dollars – with more than $4.6 billion awarded nationally since 2009 -- are earmarked for schools ranking in the bottom 5 percent for student achievement in each state. California received over $400 million in SIG funds, the most of any state, and the first-round grant awards went to 82 of its lowest-performing campuses.
Thomas S. Dee, a professor of public policy and economics at the University of Virginia, compared California public schools that were “just eligible” enough to receive the SIG funds with those that were “just ineligible.” Both groups shared similar baseline characteristics, including staffing, student demographics and prior achievement.