Publications

Overviews of First Things First

First Things First: Theory, Research, and Practice

In “Theory, Research, and Practice” First Things First (FTF) is traced back to its roots in the rich tradition of research on human motivation. Three fundamental psychological needs – competence, autonomy and relatedness – are identified as the theoretical foundation for the early development of the FTF core strategies.

First Things First: What It Takes to Make a Difference

This chapter in the book “Time for Change: New Visions for High School” provides an extensive introduction to First Things First (FTF).

First Things First: A Framework for Successful Reform

This white paper provides a basic introduction to the origins and foundational ideas behind First Things First (FTF). The authors review the previous fifteen years of school reform in order to situate the early development of FTF in the broader research, policy, and practice context.