The Breakthrough Schools program annually recognizes 10 U.S. middle and high schools that serve large numbers of students living in poverty and are high achieving or dramatically improving student achievement.
Contents
The program is cosponsored by MetLife Foundation and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
History
In 2007, NASSP received a grant from MetLife Foundation to expand two of its recognition programs, Breakthrough High Schools and Bridge Builders. Previously, the Breakthrough High Schools program recognized schools that were defying the odds and succeeding despite predictors of low student achievement. The Bridge Builders program recognized middle level and high school principals who had implemented proven strategies to create connections between their faculty and surrounding communities. With the new grant, the two programs merged to form the MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools program.
Eligibility
Winners are chosen based on a school’s documented success in implementing strategies aligned with the three core areas of NASSP’s school improvement model, the Breaking Ranks Framework. The core areas include collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
More specifically, nominated schools must demonstrate continuous growth on state assessments (and improved graduation rates among high schools), efforts to reduce the achievement gap, and have a student body consisting of 40% or more eligible for free or reduced price meals. Additional factors impacting consideration include equity of student participation in challenging courses, personal learning plans for all students, school/community connections, and leadership development/mentoring.
Award
Selected schools receive a $5,000 grant and are featured in the association's monthly magazine, Principal Leadership. Principals of Breakthrough Schools participate in professional development activities and the annual NASSP conference.