The Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) Program is a federally
funded school reform initiative that offers schools and districts
the opportunity to implement school wide research-based reform
strategies to increase student achievement. Formerly known as
the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Program (CSRD),
the program was renamed with the passage of the federal No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
According to the Program Guidance from the United States Department
of Education
(Outside Source),
the purpose of the CSR program is to "improve student achievement
by supporting the implementation of comprehensive school reforms
based on scientifically based research and effective practices
so that all children, especially those in low-performing, high
poverty schools, can meet challenging State content and academic
achievement standards."
Grants are awarded to successful local educational agencies in
an amount up to $200 per student in each funded school, with a
minimum allocation of $50,000 per school. Grants are renewable
for two additional years, contingent on federal funding and substantial
progress toward meeting the school's goals and benchmarks.
Note: There are no new CSR funding opportunities. This page is being retained for reference.
Components of Comprehensive School Reform
According to the ED Program Guidance, a comprehensive school reform program addresses each of the following eleven components:
- Employs proven methods and strategies based on scientifically based research;
- Integrates a comprehensive design with aligned components;
- Provides ongoing, high-quality professional development for teachers and staff;
- Includes measurable goals and benchmarks for student achievement;
- Is supported within the school by teachers, administrators and staff;
- Provides support for teachers, administrators and staff;
- Provides for meaningful parent and community involvement in planning, implementing and evaluating school improvement activities;
- Uses high-quality external technical support and assistance from an external partner with experience and expertise in school wide reform and improvement;
- Plans for the evaluation of strategies for the implementation of school reforms and for student results achieved, annually;
- Identifies resources to support and sustain the school's comprehensive reform effort; and
- Has been found to significantly improve the academic achievement of students or demonstrates strong evidence that it will improve the academic achievement of students.
