Current Research Projects

We conduct a variety of research at the 21C national office. Our projects include Connecticut Family Resource Center Evaluation, Independence 21CCLC Program Evaluation and more.

Connecticut Family Resource Center Evaluation

In 2008, we received a grant from the Connecticut Department of Education to conduct an evaluation of CT FRCs. This one-year study includes an overview of all the state-funded FRCs and an in-depth assessment of FRCs in five communities.
Click here for a full copy of the CT FRC Evaluation.

Independence 21CCLC Program Evaluation

Independence School District in Missouri, the first in the nation to adopt 21C, has implemented quality 21C programs for over 15 years. Recently, the district has adapted its before- and after-school programs to include higher standards of quality and variety of services that complement before and after school. We are conducting a longitudinal program evaluation of the implementation effort, as well as its impact on children, families and the entire school. Roughly 2,600 students and their families are participating in the evaluation, which is being undertaken in 9 of the district’s 13 elementary schools.

The evaluation project began in September 2003. For more information on this project download the latest executive summary.

Iowa Evaluation: Innovative Programs for Students in Kindergarten through Grade Three

The Iowa legislature has appropriated funds to enable 24 schooks to implement various programs and activities designed to ensure academic success for K-3 students at-risk for educationl failure. We have been evaluating the program each year since its inception in 1988, documenting the schools’ efforts and finding that they are making a difference.

For more information on this project download the latest executive summary.

How do We Know it Works?

A brief description of the benefits of 21C.

The School of the 21st Century Is Making a Difference:

Findings from Two Research Studies

This issue brief discusses findings from two research studies supporting the view that good quality early childhood education can be successfully implemented in public schools and make a difference. The programs can help to improve children's academic achievement and have a positive impact on the entire school. Implementing such programs is often difficult, but informed leadership and teamwork can help overcome these difficulties.

We have found that there is a great need for research in the area of immigrants and education. Currently, we have several projects devoted to improving the lives of immigrant families and children.

21C recently received support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and UPS to establish a Language and Literacy Component for the School of the 21st Century program.

According to our 2005 Online Mental Health Survey, the majority of teachers and school professionals are dealing with children with mental health issues on a daily basis.