Achieving Graduation: New York Benchmark High Schools

This report identifies and synthesizes research-supported strategies that high schools use to reduce their dropout rates and increase the number of students pursuing postsecondary education. The benchmarking system developed and used by RMC, along with their research framework, was used to explore successful school practices at the five case study schools. Findings are organized into six main categories: academic rigor, personalization and support, motivation and engagement, defining staff expectations and support, leadership and structure, and family and community engagement. The report parallels the research in each of these key areas with promising practices observed at the case study schools.