U.S. Review Finds No Proof That Reform Model Works

Study of ‘First Things First’ said to show ‘no discernible effects.’

Despite attracting high-powered backers such as Bill Gates, the much-touted school improvement program known as First Things First has yet to muster conclusive scientific evidence to show that it prevents students from dropping out of school, a federal research review concludes.

The First Things First evaluation was one of two study reviews posted online Jan. 24 by the What Works Clearinghouse, which the U.S. Education Department set up to vet existing research evidence on the effectiveness of educational programs and practices.

Clearinghouse researchers gave a better rating to New Chance , the second dropout-prevention...