Ronald Cohen said the Gary Plan was popular because it merged together Progressive commitments to:paedagogical and economic efficiency, growth and centralization of administration, an expanded curriculum, introduction of measurement and testing, greater public use of school facilities, a child-centered approach, and heightened concern about using the schools to properly socialize children.
According to Ronald Cohen, the Gary Plan was successful because it integrated Progressive principles of: instructional and financial efficiency, expansion and concentration of administrative powers, an expanded curriculum, introduction of evaluation methods, increased public utilization of school facilities, a child-centered methodology, and heightened concern about utilizing schools for proper socialization.