Research & Evaluation

The School Development Program has a substantial history of evaluation and research, both by its own staff and by external evaluators. Comer schools have been assessed on a variety of factors at different levels, including school climate, level of program implementation, and students’ self-concepts, behavior, social competence, and achievement.

These studies indicate significant effects on school climate, student attendance, and student achievement. Effects are generally first manifested in the improvement of school climate, indicated by improved relationships among the adults and students in the school; better collaboration among staff members; and greater focus on the student as the center of the education process.

Research has also shown that in schools that used the Comer Process consistently, there was a significantly greater reduction in absenteeism and suspension than in the district as a whole. Comparative studies of Comer and non-Comer schools also demonstrated that student self-competence, self-concept, and achievement was significantly more improved for Comer students than for non-Comer students. In addition, in cases where the program has been faithfully implemented, it contributed to the closing of the achievement gap.

In the report, Comprehensive School Reform and Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis, published in 2000 by the Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk (CRESPAR), the School Development Program was identified as one of three Comprehensive School Reform models “meeting the highest standard of evidence.”

For a comprehensive list of external evaluations and research journal articles on the School Development Program, see Research and Evaluation Publications.

For further information about SDP Research and Evaluation, please contact:

Christine Emmons, PhD
Director of Program Evaluation
School Development Program
Yale Child Study Center
100 York Street, Suite 1A
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 203.737.4004
Fax: 203.737.1023
E-mail: christine.emmons@yale.edu