Results In 1998, an outside evaluator conducted a study of 15 schools in six states that began implementing the program in 1993 or 1994 and had two or three years of comparable, nationally normed post-intervention test data. When gains were compared to those of the district as a whole, MicroSociety schools on average outperformed the district in all three subject areas. Due to the small sample, however, results were statistically significant only in mathematics. A 1997 developer survey of 29 MicroSociety schools found that most reported significant increases in test scores as well as increased attendance and reduced disciplinary infractions. National headquarters are in Philadelphia.
Plans are in place to increase the number of trainers each summer.
Certified trainers provide up to 20 days of technical assistance for planning and implementation, over a three-year period. Technical assistance is designed to facilitate experimentation, observation, reflection, and program modification by teachers, administrators, students, and partners. Program coordinators, administrators, parents, community partners, and students all have opportunities for training. Follow-up coaching is also provided by a certified trainer. Multisite Leadership Collaboratives, Teacher Support Networks, and Turn Around Trainers can help build capacity in a community and deepen the grassroots network.