School Improvement

Since the emergence of the testing and accountability movement in the 1990s, districts and schools have been under pressure to improve student performance on state assessments. The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 applied pressure to states to identify and assist schools that fail to meet the state’s definition of adequate yearly progress. In response to these measures, many states have worked to develop tools and programs to assist with monitoring district/school performance, and to help move schools toward improved achievement. This toolkit shares many resources developed by states and other organizations to assist with school improvement, as well as research on the characteristics of high performing schools and districts.

District Audit Tool: A Method for Determining Level of Need for Support to Improvement (2006) URL: HTTP://WWW.CCSSO.ORG/DOCUMENTS/2006/DISTRICT_AUDIT_TOOL_2006.PDF Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Parent involvement, Assessment Provider: Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Abstract: The Council of Chief State School Officers' Comprehensive Assessment System for ESEA Title I (CAS) State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards (SCASS), in partnership with Edvantia (formerly AEL), has completed a 3-year project to help states prioritize their delivery of support to districts and schools that fail to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) targets. The District Audit Tool: A Method for Determining Level of Need for Support to Improvement includes methods for states to diagnose district functioning in research-based dimensions that correlate to positive student achievement gains on standards-based assessments. The tool includes both a metric calculator that analyzes data for distance of each subgroup and the group overall from the AYP targets, and a set of scoring rubrics that evaluate the district's or school's status against these research-based dimensions. Using this diagnostic data, states can determine which districts require the highest levels of support, identify what areas require support, and provide an objective method for allocating scarce resources. Claims of Effectiveness: No claims of effectiveness are included in this document. How to read this information >

Inside School Improvement: Creating High-Performing Learning Communities (2000) URL: HTTP://WWW.ERIC.ED.GOV/PDFS/ED469735.PDF Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: Edvantia Abstract: This book is specially designed as a resource for education leaders who want to create high-performing learning communities in their schools. Included are practical tools, activities, and resources that can be put to work right away. Stories, reflections, and discussions of theory provide inspiration as well as food for thought and dialogue. Claims of Effectiveness: No claims made, but Web site states that this resource "unites the worlds of education research and practice." How to read this information >

Nine Characteristics of High-Performing Schools: A Research-Based Resource for Schools and Districts to Assist with Improving Student Learning URL: HTTP://WWW.K12.WA.US/RESEARCH/PUBDOCS/NINECHARACTERISTICS.PDF Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Abstract: The Nine Characteristics of High-Performing Schools resource document has been updated to help schools in their school improvement efforts. This second edition of the resource maintains the nine characteristics and definitions from the original 2003 document. It adds information from about 120 new research and professional references, as well as relevant OSPI documents, to help educators deepen their understanding of the characteristics, and it provides additional strategies for expanding implementation. The school improvement perception surveys, which also are on the OSPI website, can be used to gather information from staff, students, and communities to help gauge progress. Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: School improvement specialists from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) reviewed more than 20 studies to develop the nine characteristics of high-performing schools. Studies showed that no single characteristic leads to school success and most studies identified five or more of the traits in successful schools. Researchers found that reaching that level takes years of sustained school commitment, affecting values, attitudes, beliefs, and instructional practices. The authors indicate that cursory attention to the nine characteristics will yield superficial changes but not lasting success. This second edition of the report also focuses on how the nine characteristics are interrelated and suggests a continuous cycle of action that systematically attends to all nine. Seminal research on effectives schools is included, as well as about 120 new references and relevant OSPI documents. How to read this information >

Conference or Meeting

Creating a Learning Culture for High Student Achievement (2005) URL: HTTP://WWW.EDVANTIA.ORG/PUBLICATIONS/INDEX1.CFM?&SECTION=SERVIC... Format: URL, Professional Development Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: Edvantia Abstract: This is an in-depth institute offered by Edvantia (Charleston, WV). The institute is based on research that confirms that a strong, positive relationship exists between professional culture and school performance, irrespective of the school poverty level. During the institute, participants learn the concept of distributed accountabilityand its role in promoting high levels of student achievement; explore and recognize beliefs that contribute to high-performance learning cultures—specifically beliefs about ability and achievement, efficacy and effort, and power and control; and identify structures that promote high-performance learning cultures in the context of physical environment, policies and procedures, and group relationships. The full resource is only available by purchase. Claims of Effectiveness: No claims of effectiveness are made, although the Web site states that the conceptual framework on which the module is based is derived from a research review. How to read this information >

Policy Brief

What Works with Low-Performing Schools: A Review of Research URL: HTTP://WWW.EDVANTIA.ORG/PRODUCTS/PDF/WHATWORKS.PDF Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Achievement gap Provider: Edvantia Abstract: This publication reviews research on the characteristics of low-performing schools and effective strategies that can benefit such schools. read more > Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: This literature review conducted by researchers at Edvantia is based on a review of the current literature on characteristics of low-performing schools as well as the authors' expert opinion. How to read this information >

Professional Association

Center on Innovation and Improvement (CII) URL: HTTP://WWW.CENTERII.ORG/ Format: URL Focus Area: Parent involvement, School/District improvement Provider: Center on Innovation and Improvement (CII) Abstract: CII helps regional centers in their work with states to provide districts, schools, and families with the opportunity, information, and skills to make wise decisions on behalf of schools. Research, reports, tools, and state policies on district and school improvement are available. read more > Claims of Effectiveness: Informational in nature; however, links from this Web site point to research-based (all levels of research) documents. How to read this information >

The Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education (CDDRE) URL: HTTP://WWW.CDDRE.ORG/ Format: URL Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education (CDDRE) Abstract: CDDRE at Johns Hopkins University started its work in 2004 under a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Institute for Education Sciences to create a research center focused on helping low-performing schools meet their states' academic performance standards. The focus of CDDRE is on low-achieving elementary and middle schools, especially those failing to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals under No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Services include district consulting and coaching, and capacity building of state department staff. read more > Claims of Effectiveness: Informational in nature. How to read this information >

Professional Development

Creating a High-Performing Learning Culture URL: HTTP://WWW.SREB.ORG/MAIN/LEADERSHIP/MODULES/MODULESUMMARIES.ASP Format: URL, Professional Development Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Abstract: This is a foundational module from the SREB leadership series. The module is designed for school leaders and potential school leaders. Participants learn what culture is and why it must be cultivated; what roles leaders play in growing the culture; and what tools and strategies are available to help leaders foster a culture that supports improvement, high expectations, and the well-being of students. Claims of Effectiveness: No information on effectiveness could be found on the Web site or in the informational brochure. How to read this information >

Tennessee Exemplary Educator (EE) Program URL: HTTP://WWW.STATE.TN.US/EDUCATION/ACCOUNTABILITY/EXEMPLARYEDUCATOR.S... Format: URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Accountability Provider: Tennessee Department of Education Abstract: The Tennessee Exemplary Educators Program provides assistance to Tennessee's High Priority schools. Exemplary Educators assist High Priority schools by modeling innovative teaching strategies, serving as mentors to principals and teachers, analyzing student performance data, connecting with professional development providers, and building capacity for continuous school improvement. Since 2001, approximately 300 high priority schools and 26 high priority districts have been served by EEs whose goals include building capacity in core areas associated with improved performance and student achievement. read more > Claims of Effectiveness: The Tennessee Exemplary Educators Program, developed through a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and Edvantia, has received a Top 50 Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard University and a SCORE (State Collaborative on Reforming Education) Promising Practice. How to read this information >

The School Improvement Initiative URL: HTTP://WWW.CCSSO.ORG/PROJECTS/SCHOOL_IMPROVEMENT_INITIATIVE/ Format: URL Focus Area: Achievement gap, School/District improvement Provider: Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Abstract: This project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) formerly called the High-Poverty Schools Initiative, is comprised of projects aimed at increasing the capacity of state education agencies to work with local districts toward improving student performance in high-poverty schools. Together, these projects provide opportunities for state, district, and school administrators to understand the challenges that can undermine student achievement in high-poverty schools and strategies for transforming low-performing schools into high-performing campuses. Claims of Effectiveness: Provides information about initiative and various programs but does not offer any research base or make any claims of effectiveness. How to read this information >

Research

Beyond Islands of Excellence: What Districts Can Do to Improve Instruction and Achievement in All Schools URL: HTTP://WWW.LEARNINGFIRST.ORG/PUBLICATIONS/DISTRICTS/ Format: Print, URL Focus Area: Parent involvement, School/District improvement Provider: Learning First Alliance Abstract: The report outlines lessons from five high-poverty districts that have records of increasing student achievement. The report identifies a set of practical steps that schools and districts can take to move beyond a few excellent schools to success across entire systems. read more > Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: Researchers at Learning First Alliance examined instruction at five high-poverty districts showing improvement in student achievement. Researchers spent several days at each district and conducted more than 200 individual interviews, 15 school visits, and 60 focus groups. Research shows that the five districts had a similar set of strategies to improve instruction. The authors offer seven strategies that are essential to school improvement. How to read this information >

Characteristics of Improved School Districts: Themes from Research URL: HTTP://WWW.K12.WA.US/RESEARCH/PUBDOCS/DISTRICTIMPROVEMENTREPORT.PDF Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Parent involvement Provider: Center for Comprehensive Reform and Improvement Abstract: The authors reviewed more than 80 research articles from studies conducted within the past 15 years that investigated the attributes of school districts that have improved over time. They identified 13 themes or characteristics of improved school districts, which have been clustered into four broad categories: Effective Leadership, Quality Teaching and Learning, Support for Systemwide Improvement, and Clear and Collaborative Relationships. read more > Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: This document is based on a review of more than 80 research reports by the Research and Evaluation Office at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The analysis of the prior work identified 13 common themes. The themes should be viewed as integrated and interrelated. According to the author, they are important to district effectiveness but not sufficient in isolation. A conceptual framework was designed that illustrates the relationships among the 13 themes and four categories. How to read this information >

Inside the Black Box of High-Performing, High Poverty Schools URL: HTTP://PRICHARDCOMMITTEE.ORG/PORTALS/1059/PUBLICATIONS/INSIDE%20THE... Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: Achievement gap, School/District improvement Provider: Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Abstract: The results of a study of eight high-performing, high-poverty elementary schools in Kentucky are reported. The schools underwent an audit using the state's audit tool, and results were compared with eight demographically similar low-performing schools that had also been through a state audit. Characteristics of the high-performing schools are identified, as well as information on how they differed from low-performing, high poverty schools. read more > Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: This study, conducted by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, looks at a group of eight high-poverty, high-performing elementary schools in Kentucky. A scholastic audit was used as the centerpiece of the research design and included a six-member team that spent a week on site interviewing teachers and administrators, and numerous parents and students. The team conducted classroom observations and reviewed school documents that included test scores, school improvement plans, school policies, teacher lesson plans, and student work samples. The eight study schools were matched on several demographic factors with eight low-performing, high-poverty schools that had previously been audited. A statistical analysis was performed using data from the audit reports and comparisons were made to identify statistically significant differences in the audit results for the types of school. How to read this information >

Kentucky's Highly Skilled Educator Program URL: HTTP://WWW.KDE.STATE.KY.US/KDE/ADMINISTRATIVE+RESOURCES/SCHOOL+IMPR... Format: Print, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Abstract: The Highly Skilled Educator (HSE) program was created by the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 to provide support to schools with declining test scores. It was designed as a means to reward outstanding teachers and administrators with recognition for excellence, a salary incentive, and an opportunity to assist other teachers, administrators, and schools. Applicants participate in a rigorous application and training process. The current focus of the program is to provide assistance to low-performing schools. read more > Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: A study completed by the Partnership for Kentucky Schools titled Improving Low-Performing Schools: A Study of Kentucky's Highly Skilled Educators Program, drew several conclusions about the impact and effectiveness of the Highly Skilled Educators Program. Their data found impact in four critical areas: Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, Leadership, School Organization, and Morale, and Test Scores. How to read this information >

Similar Students, Different Results: Why Do Some Schools Do Better? URL: HTTP://WWW.EDSOURCE.ORG/PUB_SIMSTU6-06_SUMMARYREPORT.HTML Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Parent involvement, Achievement gap Provider: EdSource Online Abstract: Why do some California elementary schools serving largely low-income students do better on the state's academic performance index (API) than other schools with very similar students? This study surveyed principals and teachers in 257 schools and learned that socioeconomic factors are far from the sole predictor of academic performance. Analysis identified four interrelated practices associated with higher test scores and suggested implications for district and principal leadership. read more > Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: This report summarizes the findings from a two-year study conducted by EdSource, Stanford University, University of California-Berkeley, and American Institutes for Research (AIR). The researchers collected data through superintendent interviews, principal and teacher surveys, and school demographic information documents. The researchers also used multiple regression analyses. Researchers found four domains that are most highly correlated with higher Academic Performance Index (API) scores: prioritizing student achievement, implementing a coherent, standards-based instructional program, using assessment data, and ensuring availability of instructional resources. How to read this information >

The Role of Districts in Fostering Instructional Improvement: Lessons from Three Urban Districts Partnered with the Institute for Learning URL: HTTP://WWW.RAND.ORG/PUBS/RESEARCH_BRIEFS/RB9142/ Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Leadership Provider: RAND Corporation Abstract: This monograph presents the findings from a 3-year case study that focused on analyzing three districts' efforts to meet the challenges of high-stakes accountability brought on by NCLB. The study sought to assess the contribution made by the Institute for Learning (IFL) as a partner with the districts. Districts' improvement efforts focused on the following areas: promoting the instructional leadership of principals; supporting the professional learning of teachers, especially school-based coaching; specifying curriculum; and promoting data-based decision making for planning and instructional improvement. Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: A three-year comparative case study design with mixed methods was used to study three urban districts' efforts to meet the challenges of high stakes accountability. Districts were selected based on their working experience with the Institute for Learning (IFL) and for variation in district size, union environment, and state context. Data were collected through extensive field interviews and focus groups, surveys of elementary, middle, and high school principals and teachers, district and IFL documents, and from demographic and student achievement databases. This study offers policymakers, administrators, and funders important insights about how to improve teaching and learning in urban districts. How to read this information >

Tool

Breakthrough School Improvement URL: HTTP://WWW.ADVANC-ED.ORG/PRODUCTS_AND_SERVICES/BREAKTHROUGH_SCHOOL_... Format: Print, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE) Abstract: This is a comprehensive approach to helping all students achieve higher levels of performance. The tool was developed to meet the needs of practitioners who want a systemic approach to using research and data to meet school improvement goals. The series includes an action guide explaining key actions of the Breakthrough process, resources and tools that explain strategies for gaining stakeholder support and skills for using data, the Web-based School Improvement Planner, and survey tools and opinion inventories. Claims of Effectiveness: No evidence of effectiveness provided, although the Web site states that "Research-based key actions guide improvement by focusing on practices and conditions that are under the control of the school and linked to improved student performance. How to read this information >

Handbook on Restructuring and Substantial School Improvement URL: HTTP://WWW.CENTERII.ORG/SURVEY/DOWNLOADS/RESTRUCTURING%20HANDBOOK.PDF Format: Print, URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Parent involvement Provider: Center on Innovation and Improvement (CII) Abstract: CII engaged leading experts on restructuring and school improvement to prepare modules for this handbook to assist states, districts, and schools in establishing policies, procedures, and support to successfully restructure schools. Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the Center on Innovation & Improvement (CII) engaged leading experts on restructuring and school improvement to prepare modules for this handbook to assist states, districts, and schools in establishing policies, procedures, and support to successfully restructure schools. The modules are based on "promising practices," which blend findings from rigorous research in other fields, research and field expertise, statistically controlled, correlational studies, and long and outstanding records of improved performance. How to read this information >

Standards and Indicators for School Improvement (SISI) URL: HTTP://WWW.EDUCATION.KY.GOV/NR/RDONLYRES/27096052-D957-4E71-A4E6-3B... Format: PDF, URL Focus Area: Parent involvement, Assessment, Accountability, School/District improvement Provider: Kentucky Department of Education Abstract: The SISI is an audit tool developed by the Kentucky Department of Education that states, districts, or schools in Kentucky can use to assess the school environment on nine standards and numerous indicators, and identify areas for improvement. Kentucky uses the SISI to audit low-performing schools, but the instrument is available and widely used throughout the state for school improvement purposes. A district-level instrument is also available. Claims of Effectiveness: No claims made; no information provided on the Web site on the research base behind the standards and indicators. How to read this information >

Surveys of Enacted Curriculum URL: HTTP://WWW.CCSSO.ORG/PROJECTS/SURVEYS_OF_ENACTED_CURRICULUM/ Format: URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Science, Mathematics, Curriculum and Instruction, Accountability Provider: Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Abstract: The Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) are a set of data collection tools available to states that join the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) SEC Collaborative--or available for purchase from the CCSSO's partner institution, the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. The SECs are used with teachers of Mathematics, Science and English Language Arts (K-12) to collect and report consistent data on current instructional practices and content being taught in classrooms. The resulting data analyze the degree of alignment between current instruction and state standards and assessments. Teachers complete the Survey questions through an online, web-based system. Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: According to the website, the Surveys have been field tested in hundreds of schools and classrooms and a high level of reliability has been found in test-retest statistical analyses and inter-rater reliability analyses of alignment content scoring. How to read this information >

What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) URL: HTTP://IES.ED.GOV/NCEE/WWC/ Format: URL Focus Area: School/District improvement Provider: U.S. Department of Education Abstract: The What Works Clearinghouse provides accessible databases and user-friendly reports for educators, with high-quality reviews of the effectiveness of replicable educational interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies) that intend to improve student outcomes. read more > How to read this information >

What Works in Schools Online Surveys URL: HTTP://WWW.WHATWORKSINSCHOOLS.ORG/ Format: URL Focus Area: School/District improvement, Parent involvement, Accountability Provider: What Works in Schools Abstract: The What Works in Schools Online Surveys ask participants to create a profile of how their school or district addresses the factors that influence student achievement. The surveys are based on 11 factors that have the greatest effect on student achievement, drawn from meta-analysis of 35 years of educational research by Robert Marzano. The surveys measure participants' perceptions, pointing to areas that can become the focus of school improvement efforts. Participants' survey responses are compiled into analytical reports that provide an instant snapshot of the areas that are most critical to the school's efforts to improve student achievement levels. Rating: Claims of Effectiveness: This online survey is based on a meta-analysis of 35 years of educational research by Robert Marzano. The survey is based on eleven factors that Marzano has found in the research that have the greatest effect on student achievement. How to read this information >

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