Improving Achievement in Low-Performing Schools: Key Results for School Leaders

"I find here nothing less than a blueprint for transforming a failing urban school district with abysmal levels of student and adult performance into one of fiscal and academic respectability. No small feat!" Roland S. Barth Author, Lessons Learned How can multi-stressed, low-performing schools overcome obstacles to respond to the unique learning needs of students? As accountability in schools becomes more crucial, educators are looking for comprehensive and innovative management practices that respond to challenges and realities of student academic achievement. In order to improve academic performance and the quality of instruction, the entire school community needs to be involved. Improving Achievement in Low-Performing Schools provides six steps to overcome low performance. School principals and teacher leaders can create a school culture that supports the goals for student achievement and expects the same standards for all students.  This excellent new resource focuses on: Improving student achievement in the core subjects Aligning teaching and learning with student performance Linking professional development for all staff to the goals for students Creating safe, clean, and secure school facilities Forging stronger links with parents, families, and the community Increasing management effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability The student is the chief client served by the educational profession. As students and their families become more confident that educators are dedicated to meeting students' individualized needs, they become committed to supporting the key results accountability process.  

Table of Contents:
Introduction Organization of Book Acknowledgements About the Author About the Editor Step 1. Defining the School′s Culture Understanding Attitude Defined by Actions Scheduling Effective Communication Mechanisms Step 2. Gatekeeping by Central Office: Administrators and Principals Teaming Together Defining a School′s Culture to Supports Achievement Goals Creating Visibility Through Facility Management Working With Legislators Receiving Support for Implementing Program Reform Initiatives Step 3: Creating a Key Results Accountability Process Understanding How Assessment Indicators Can Increase Student Achievement Integrating Key Results Into Corrective Action Plans Identifying School-Site Visitation Lessons Step 4: Developing Trailblazing Initiatives That Guarantee Student Success Creating Motivational Attendance Programs Organizing an Accelerated Learning Program Providing an Extended School-Year Program Backloading for Curriculum Alignment Step 5: Expanding Parent and Community Involvement Activities Developing Responsive Parent Committees for Critical Feedback Organizing Community Forums with Diverse Stakeholders Mobilizing Community Partners to Support Reform Initiatives Step 6: Enforcing Effective Business Practices Securing Resources for School Sites Identifying and Seeking Alternative Program Funding Solutions Creating a Strategic Plan for Aggressive Grant Development Conclusion Resource A: The Results-Based Intervention for School Efficacy (RISE) Project References Suggested Reading Index