NNPS districts and schools have agreed to work with NNPS researchers on two "Special Focus" studies to learn more about district leadership on partnerships and the effects of interactive homework on student achievement in math, science, and reading/literacy.
Howard and Cecil counties in Maryland are partnering with NNPS research scientist Dr. Mavis Sanders on a three-year study of district leadership for school, family, and community partnerships. NNPS and its districts want to learn more about how district leadership grows over time and how district leaders influence the quality of schools' partnership programs. Dr. Sanders will seek additional districts in diverse locations to complete the study over the next two years.
Hamilton County Public Schools in Chattanooga, TN are working with NNPS's Dr. Frances Van Voorhis on a two-year study of the effects of TIPS Interactive Math Homework on elementary school students in grades 3 and 4. This is the first multi-year study of the TIPS process and will show whether family involvement on homework from one grade level to the next measurably affects student achievement, attitudes, and success in math.
During this school year, NNPS districts and schools will be invited to join other special focus studies. All partners are provided stipends for the additional data collections and receive targeted reports on the results of the research in their locations. The TIPS studies also provide free professional development for teachers and ongoing facilitation during the study period.