Ventures Education Systems Corporation (VESC)

15 Maiden Lane, Suite 200 New York, NY 10038	Telephone:	(212) 566-2522 (800) 947-6278
	Fax:	(212) 566-2536
	E-mail:	mbleich@ventures.org
	Website:	www.vesc-education.com

Program Description

Focus Area	Age Group
Whole School Reform. The goal of the Ventures Education Systems Corporation (VESC) is to raise the academic achievement of students K-12, and in particular that of minority and economically disadvantaged students, so that they may be well-prepared to enter the work force or pursue higher education upon graduation. This is accomplished by providing teachers with long-term staff development in student-centered, inquiry-based instructional strategies that are fully integrated with content and aligned with national, state, and local standards.	Research reviewed is for K-12

Focus Area

Age Group

Whole School Reform. The goal of the Ventures Education Systems Corporation (VESC) is to raise the academic achievement of students K-12, and in particular that of minority and economically disadvantaged students, so that they may be well-prepared to enter the work force or pursue higher education upon graduation. This is accomplished by providing teachers with long-term staff development in student-centered, inquiry-based instructional strategies that are fully integrated with content and aligned with national, state, and local standards.

Research reviewed is for K-12

Research Description

Outcomes where Tests of Significance were not Reported

Between 2000 and 2001, elementary students in the New Brunswick school district (NJ) improved their language, math, and science scores on the 4th grade statewide assessment. These gains were achieved for general education, special education, and LEP students.

In 2000, students in 7 of New York City's low-performing high schools improved their passing rates on New York State's Regents tests, over that achieved in the previous year.

Between 1999 and 2001, elementary students from 8 academically poor schools in Louisiana achieved higher levels of proficiency on the state assessments in Grade 4 Math and English.

*Research Category*	5	Local research was conducted by independent evaluators.
*Design*	Other	Experimental schools were studied over a period of 2 years.
*Multiple Studies*	Yes	VESC model schools were evaluated in different school districts nationally.
*Sample Size*	>50	In the New Brunswick study, the number of students tested ranged from 50-325.
Valid/ Reliable Instrument	Yes	State-developed assessments were used.
*Results*	No	Tests of statistical significance were not reported.
*Published*	No	No published studies were reported.
*Follow-up Data*	No	There were no follow-up studies.
*Award*	No	No awards were reported.