Initiative Description: Case study of the Santo Domingo school in New Mexico. Incentive programs were developed to motivate students to attend school, improve student achievement, and increase parent involvement. A summer school was established.
Parent conferences were held in community centers, and parents were actively encouraged to come to talk about how they could support learning in the home.
The school formed a “partnership” with a number of local artisans, craftspersons, and storytellers. These individuals came to the school often and worked with the students both individually and collectively.

Study results: Attendance rate improved from 87% to 96%, parent participation increased markedly, special education referrals decreased significantly from previous years.

Reference: De Baca, M. C., Rinaldi, C., & Billig, S. H. (1991). Santo Domingo School: a rural schoolwide project success. Educational Evaluation & Policy Analysis, 13363-368. doi:10.3102/01623737013004363

Level of Evidence: Good