The Flippen Group programs have been integrated into U.S. Department of Education funded Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grants received by schools in a number of states. Our programs are based upon sound research that demonstrates the importance of students being connected to caring adults. The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved SLC funding to schools that use The Flippen Group programs because the underlying principles of our programs are research-based and supported by the findings derived from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescents. Further information concerning the findings of this study may be accessed at the following websites:
Our processes support the goals of the SLC program in that we teach relational skills that help school staff connect more fully with students, thus decreasing students’ feeling of alienation and increasing students’ willingness to engage in the learning process.
SLC Program Description
The Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) program provides federal funds to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to promote the development of small, safe, and successful learning environments in large high schools as a component of comprehensive high school improvement plans.
What the Research Says: The Shift to Smaller Learning Communities
Smaller learning environments are a condition for boosting student achievement (Williams, 1990)
School size has positive effects on student outcomes as evidenced by students' attendance rates, frequency of disciplinary actions, school loyalty, use of alcohol or drugs, satisfaction with school and self-esteem (Raywid (1995) and Klonsky (1995)
An effective size for secondary schools is in the range of 400-800 students (Williams, 1990)
Enrollment size has a stronger effect on learning in schools with large concentrations of poor and minority children (Cotton, 1996)
Research ultimately confirms what parents intuitively believe: that smaller schools are safer and more productive because students feel less alienated, more nurtured and more connected to caring adults, and teachers feel that they have more opportunity to get to know and support their students (Fowler & Walberg, 1991; Gregory, 1992; Stockard & Mayberry, 1992)
SLC Grants using the Flippen Group Programs
Listed below are schools that have received SLC funding and have used The Flippen Group programs as part of their whole school reform efforts.
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