Closing the Achievement Gap: Using the Environment as an Integrating Context for Learning. Results of a Nationwide Study

This report relates the story of the schools, teachers, and students involved in implementing the framework known as the Environment as an Integrating Context (EIC). The results of a nationwide study, a description of the major concepts and assumptions underlaying EIC, an exploration of the range of successful EIC programs across the United States, and an analysis of the implications of EIC-based education for student learning and instruction are presented. Observed benefits include better performance on standardized measures of academic achievement in reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies; reduced discipline and classroom management problems; and increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning. (Contains 25 references and 17 tables.)