Project for Academic Excellence: Changes in Teaching and Student Achievement

This evaluation and the preparation of this report were authorized by the Saint Paul Public Schools. This report was written by Dr. Carol Freeman, Research Associate at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. CAREI is a collaborative organization that brings the resources of the College of Education and Human Development and the University of Minnesota to bear on educational issues in Minnesota and across the nation. In preparation of this report, Dr. Freeman worked closely with the Office of Instructional Services staff, Saint Paul Public Schools, to design the evaluation and to gather extensive material about Saint Paul’s Project for Academic Excellence, Saint Paul’s comprehensive reform model.Saint Paul’s Project for Academic Excellence was a comprehensive reform model that was implemented in phases throughout Saint Paul Public Schools in Minnesota. This report documents the implementation of the project through 2004-2005. The comprehensive reform model focused on 12 nationally-researched, proven education reform practices described in the report and recognized the importance of expert knowledge and technical assistance. There was evidence of substantial change in teaching and evidence of increased student achievement