A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Section I - Introduction

Federal Legislation

The Purpose of This Guide

The Study of Effective Schools Programs: The Basis for the Guide

Key Features of Promising Reforms

How to Use This Guide

Section II - Practical Advice: Key Features of Successful Reform Strategies

A Portrait of South Mission High School: Building on the Effective Schools Model

Create Challenging Learning Experiences for All Students

1. Set High Expectations for All Students
2. Develop Challenging Curriculum
3. Consider Alternative Configurations of Students and Teachers
4. Track Student Progress with a Range of Outcome Measures

Build a School Culture That Nurtures Staff Collaboration and Participation in Decision Making

1. Find Ways for Teachers and School Staff to Collaborate on Significant Changes Needed in the School
2. Seek Ways to Reformulate the Roles and Authority of Teachers and Administrators
3. Consider Reformulating Staffing, Resources, and Time and Space to Increase Staff Collaboration

Provide Meaningful Opportunities for Professional Growth

1. Identify and Prioritize the topics and types of Staff Development That Will Promote the School's Reform Goals
2. Plan a Coherent, Sustained Program for Professional Growth That Will Provide Time and Expertise for Staff to Acquire, Implement, and Reflect on New Approaches
3. Explore a Variety of Methods for Developing Expertise

Section III - Examples of Promising School-Based Reform Efforts

Changing a School from the Classroom Out: Cicely Elementary

The Little Engine That Could: Arbor Elementary

On the Way: Empire High School

Too Much, Too Quickly: Attempts to Change Edgemont Junior High

Slow Going: The Beginning of Change in Petersburgh Elementary

Summary

Section IV - Beyond the Schoolhouse: What Districts Can Do to Support School-Based Reform

Providing Professional Development Opportunities

Setting and Waiving Requirements

Namaging Forces and Conditions outside the School's Control

Garnering Resources

Summary

References

Appendix: Resources

I. Research Resources

Research on School-Based Reform

Case Studies of Successful Reform

II. How-To Resources

Guidelines for School Level Reform

The Role of Principals in School Reform

The Role of Teachers in School Reform

The Role of Parents and the Community in School Reform

Curriculum Reform

Assessment Reform

For the user's convenience we have also created an ASCII version of this document and compressed it (96K) for ease of downloading.

-###-
Return to Publications page