Research Shows DoD Schools Are High Scoring and Closing the Achievement Gap

In September 2001, after a year of study, researchers at Vanderbilt University reported high achievement among the students attending schools operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The researchers found that the students' standardized test scores are well above national averages and that the schools have significantly narrowed the achievement gap between white and non-white students.

In their report, "March Toward Excellence: School Success and Minority Student Achievement in Department of Defense Schools," prepared for the National Education Goals Panel, the researchers analyze challenges the schools face and reasons for their success. They note that 50% of the DoD students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 40% are minorities, and 35% transfer each year. The researchers point out factors in the DoD schools that appear to lead to higher student achievement, including (1) a policy that links assessment results with instructional goals supported by professional development programs and (2) sufficient resources for a stable, high quality teaching force. The researchers recommend that schools across the nation use the DoD school system as a model, adopting similar policies and practices, such as high expectations for all students, small schools, and pre-school and after-school programs.

Prepared September 2001