Understanding Research & Applying Data

The purpose of NCS is to bridge the gap between the research and the practice.” Sarah Howard, NCS Senior Director, Partner School Network

The application of research and data is essential to successfully implementing On-Track work in your school or district. In this Component, you will find tools to further your understanding of the fundamental On-Track research as well as guides for developing and tracking interventions. This Component also includes tools to support your team in communicating On-Track research to staff, students, and families. 

Use the Toolkit Component

The Understanding Research & Applying Data Component contains five Tool Sets. To download the entire Component, click below. 

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Tool Sets: Understanding Research & Applying Data

Calculating Freshman On-Track

The Freshman On-Track indicator provides a clear metric for predicting high school graduation in Chicago and targeting students for intervention. Tool Set A contains the essential research and background knowledge on Freshman On-Track so educators can begin this work in their school or district. 

Building Relationships to Support the Transition to High School

Building relationships with students is a critical lever for supporting them in the transition to high school. 

Developing and Tracking Interventions

One responsibility of the Success Team is to develop and track interventions. Tool Set C provides Success Teams with resources to design effective interventions. 

Communicating On-Track Research to Staff, Students, and Families

Effectively communicating On-Track research and school-wide goals is important to create the necessary buy-in to improve outcomes for freshmen. 

Ongoing Research from the UChicago Consortium

 Since the release of the What Matters report, UChicago Consortium researchers have produced a plethora of new evidence on the transition to high school.