Evaluation Results of the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) Program, 1998-99.

The Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) is a statewide effort in Wisconsin to increase the academic achievement of children living in poverty by reducing the student-teacher ratio in kindergarten through third grade to 15:1. Schools participating in SAGE are also required to implement a rigorous curriculum, provide before- and after-school activities, and implement professional development plans. In 1998-1999, the SAGE evaluation considered 131 kindergarten, 143 first-grade, 143 second-grade, and 139 third-grade classrooms enrolling 2,303 kindergartners, 2,508 first graders, 2,493 second graders, and 2,572 third graders. Academic achievement was measured through achievement tests administered in grades 1, 2, and 3, and case studies were conducted in three SAGE schools. As had been found in 1997-1998, test scores of SAGE and comparison schools for first graders showed statistically higher performance of SAGE students in language arts, mathematics, and total scores. African American students made significantly higher gains through the school year, closing the achievement gap. Results for grades 2 and 3 generally followed the same pattern. Case studies, observations, and teacher and principal questionnaire responses all supported the positive effects of the SAGE program on classroom environment. All SAGE schools were implementing more rigorous curricula, staff development, and the "lighted schoolhouse" activities of before- and after-school programs. (Contains 58 tables and 11 references.) (SLD)