The Challenge of Scaling Up Educational Reform: Findings and Lessons from First Things First

This MDRC report looks at the results of the comprehensive school reform model First Things First (FTF). FTF is characterized by smaller learning communities, a family advocate system in which a school staff member is paired with the student, and organized instructional improvement efforts to make classes more engaging and rigorous. The model was launched in Kansas City, Kansas, and later tested in 12 middle and high schools in four additional districts. While academic outcomes improved substantially in Kansas City, the results in the other four districts were less consistent.