- Focus on student learning
- Personalization
- Relationship-centered
- Standards-based curriculum
- Quality professional development
- Multiple pathways for students to demonstrate proficiency
- Establish a safe school environment
- Rigorous and relevant curriculum
- Data-based decision making
- Capitalize on student’s effort, abilities and resilience
- Engagement of students in the learning process
- Immediate prevention, intervention and acceleration strategies
- Culture of continuous improvement
- Focus on literacy across the curriculum
- Alternative uses of time
- Develop leadership throughout the school (administrative and teacher)
- Begin with the end in mind
- High expectations for all students
- Active engagement from parents and the community
- Focus on collaboration and teaming
- Build on strengths
- Evaluate and monitor your school improvement plan
References
(2004) Breaking Ranks II: Strategies for Leading High School Reform. Reston: National Association of Secondary Scholl Principals of Virginia.
Blankstein, A. Failure is Not an Option: Six Principles That Guide Student Achievement in High-Performing Schools. Thousand Oaks, Corwin Press.
Daggett, W. (2007 June). A Comprehensive Process for Improving Student Performance. Paper presented at the 15th Annual Model Schools Conference, Washington D.C.
Hope Foundation. (June 2007). Failure is Not an Option: Courageous Leadership for School Success. Paper presented at the meeting of the Hope Foundation Conference, San Ramon, California.
Thomas, R. Tips From School Improvement Leaders. A list of guidance tips on the school improvement process. Leading Your School Through the School Improvement Process
Walcott, C., Owens-West, R., Makkonen, R. (June 2005). High School Reform: National and State Trends. California Teachers Association, Burlingame, California