Case Study: Harvard Proving Ground

Overview

 

In the academic year of 2021-2022, Atlanta Public Schools joined the Harvard Proving Ground attendance improvement network as part of a cohort of five school districts across Georgia. This partnership aimed to tackle the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism among high school students by understanding existing challenges and developing user-centered prototypes for intervention. The goal was clear: reduce absenteeism rates and enhance student engagement, thereby improving overall educational outcomes. This initiative not only aimed to boost daily attendance but also to deeply understand and address the underlying factors that deter students from regular school participation, leveraging collaborative insights to craft effective solutions.

Goal: To reduce chronic absenteeism rates and improve overall student engagement and performance.

Objective: To understand the root causes of absenteeism and develop targeted interventions that address these issues effectively

Method: The project utilized a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with students, root cause analysis, and the development and testing of interventions.

Success Indicators

 

  1. Engagement of stakeholders, including students, in the planning and implementation phases.

  2. Flexibility and adaptability of interventions based on ongoing feedback.

  3. Strong support networks, involving not just the school but also families and community resources

Intervention

Insights

 

Recommendation

 

Develop a comprehensive strategy that incorporates policy changes, community engagement, and enhanced support systems to effectively reduce absenteeism.

Impact

 

Business Impact

  • Increased Attendance: The project directly contributed to improvements in student attendance rates.

  • Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration: Fostered greater cooperation among educators, parents, and community leaders.

Product Impact

  • Strategic Interventions: Implementation of new policies and programs specifically designed to combat absenteeism.

  • Resource Allocation: More effective use of resources based on insights gained from the research

Learnings

 

The project highlighted the importance of understanding the user, in this case, the students, through direct interaction. This approach helped in creating interventions that are not only based on theoretical models but are informed by real-world conditions and feedback. The mixed-methods approach of combining direct interviews with analytical techniques allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the issue, leading to practical and actionable solutions. Regular engagement with stakeholders throughout the project ensured that the interventions remained aligned with the needs of the students and the capabilities of the schools.