Results of the "I Have a Dream"® programme
Arete Corporation, a New York City-based consulting firm, prepared
a summary of research on "I Have a Dream"® based on
10 local studies and evaluations. They found that, taken as a whole,
this body ofresearch shows that "I Have a Dream"®
has a dramatic impact on helping children. Below are some of their
conclusions.
Improved Grades and Test Scores
Three studies found significant improvements in grades and/or test
scores among Dreamers. For example, after a New York Project developed
individual tutoring plans for Dreamers, their math scores improved.
Better School Attendance
"I Have a Dream"® has had positive effects on students'
attendance records. For example, 80% of Portland Dreamers attended
school at least 85% of the time, compared to 63-70% in control groups.
Higher Graduation Rates
Six studies measured high school graduation rates against either
a control group or a baseline average for the district. In every
case, Dreamer rates were significantly higher - more than double
the average in two cases.
Resistance to Peer Groups and Peer Pressure
Three studies offered important perspectives on teens' relationships
with their peers. All concluded that Dreamers were better able to
resist negative peer pressure, to support one another, and to serve
as role models.
Less Involvement with Juvenile Justice
The Portland study found a dramatic drop in the number of times
male Dreamers were referred to the juvenile justice system. Referrals
per male Dreamers were only 57% as high as in control groups.
Higher Educational Aspirations
In virtually every Project, both quantitative and qualitative measures
of Dreamers' aspirations, hopes and goals show higher aspirations
and more positive attitudes about school, life and the future.
Improved University Attendance Rates
Four studies examined the number of Dreamers who attended university
or other postsecondary institutions and found exceptionally high
rates of attendance in every case. For example, about three times
as many students in the 1996 Chicago study attended
university, compared to those in comparison groups.
| Class |
High School
Graduation/GED
Completion Rate
|
% of Graduates
Going to University/
VocationalTraining |
Westbury, New York
Class of 1999
|
93% |
96% |
The Original P.S. 121
Dreamers
|
90% |
60% |
East Palo Alto Class of
2000/2001
|
89% |
85% |
Denver Class of 1995
|
87% |
66% |
Chicago Class of 1996
|
75% |
85% |
Chicago Classes of
1993/94
|
69% |
66% |
|
