School Performance - How to Meet AYP and Achieve Long-term Success
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How educators can transform their school or district into one that is higher performing and then maintain and improve on those higher performing levels
This resource kit offers a comprehensive systems approach to the transformation of schools, districts, and even state education systems. It is based on cutting-edge research, practical efforts that work, and a frank and honest approach to the issues facing education. Resources are provided for creating awareness and conducting professional development sessions, including video presentations and PowerPoint slides. |  |
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Chapter 1 - The Challenge Facing All Schools describes why NCLB came into existence and the requirements it places on students and educators to meet changing societal needs. The chapter provides an overview of the important factors facing schools today and why the need for improvement is so critical throughout the nation.
Chapter 2 - Creating a Culture for Success provides the context for improvement through changing the culture using vision/mission. The need for culture change is explained as well, because it is critical for all who participate in the activities suggested in this resource kit to have a firm understanding of why change is so important. The value of a strong mission/vision is presented along with tips and strategies to help organizations create a mission/vision that is accepted by everyone associated with the organization. Chapter 3 - Leadership discusses the importance of leadership to organizational success, especially distributed leadership, or leadership at all levels of the school, district, and state. Why change is needed in the way leadership is viewed and implemented is also discussed. Chapter 4 - Profound Knowledge moves from the why of change to both the what and the how of application. From leadership to classroom strategies to community involvement, this chapter focuses on doing the right things to improve performance in an effective manner. The concepts of systems thinking, alignment, and various theories of profound knowledge are presented. Chapter 5 - Data-Driven Achievement moves into a detailed discussion of the importance of data to drive decision making in all aspects of education. The concept of breakthrough performance is introduced as a way to create new methods of thinking about achievement. In addition, a set of practical principles and examples of effective use of data are shared. This chapter also includes an example of one organization’s struggles with change and how this school has evolved into a performance-based system to meet all students’ needs. Chapter 6 - Into the Classroom drives further into the kit’s focus on instruction as a key to improving performance. The Rigor/Relevance Framework, developed by the International Center fro Leadership in Education, is the foundation for effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment. In addition, practical examples of quality classroom practices and the use of data to drive instruction are presented. Chapter 7 - Sustaining Improvement Over Time builds on the material presented in the first six chapters and provides a structure for sustaining improvement on a long-term basis. The concept of transformation in education is discussed, along with the twin factors of a focus on instruction and the importance of relationships as the keys to sustainability. The Conclusion provides and opportunity to present some summary thoughts, poems, tips, and quotations as a way to reinforce the material previously presented. The Afterword shares the personal perspective of the authors on the main themes of the kit. The Appendix has supplementary materials that can be used for staff development and awareness. Trainers are welcome to make copies of the materials for local use. Two electronic media are included with the kit. The DVD has a video presentation on data and clips of quality tools used in the classroom. The CD has PowerPoints, activities, and other information that might help educators gain a better understanding of the material presented in this resource kit. Excerpt Order Form Online Store |
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