Journal of Education & Social Policy

Successful Schools in Challenging Contexts: Evidence from Chile
Roxana Balbontín Alvarado

Abstract
This article summarizes a research study about six secondary schools from two different counties in Chile, which are characterized by a socio-economically disadvantaged student intake. The main aim of the study was to gain greater understanding of the particular features that characterize these schools and the influence of these characteristics on the students’ outcomes. The sample of schools was selected after the analysis of the students´ attainment results in a national standardized examination over a period of three years. Four of these schools were considered to be more effective or ‘atypical’ in terms of academic achievement. The other two were considered to have average results or ‘typical.’ All the schools were analyzed using case studies and a mixedmethods research approach. The main focus of the analysis was to explore the school processes that support effectiveness and to generate some illuminating findings, in order to contribute to educational policy and practice.

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