Research has established that small schools create intimate learning communities where students can be encouraged by caring adults, reduce student alienation, reduce negative effects of low socioeconomic status, and encourage teachers to help students succeed. Strategies for creating small learning communities within large schools and findings on…

A Seattle (Washington) high school has been closing the achievement gap between White and minority group students by promoting a personalized learning environment. This has been accomplished by limiting enrollment, instituting a house plan for freshmen and sophomores, integrating the curriculum, mentoring, providing time for teacher collaboration,…