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

Implementing Schoolwide Projects - May 1994

Acknowledgments

This idea book is dedicated to the many innovative educators who have demonstrated the viability of a new vision of learning for all children. In completing this book, we interviewed numerous teachers, administrators, and community members--far more than we were able to highlight here--to present examples that demonstrate the variety of shapes, rhythms, and styles that successful schoolwide projects take. Together, the schools that contributed to this volume reflect the possibilities for improving schools for the most disadvantaged children--possibilities that are embedded in the 1994 authorization of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

This volume benefits from the experiences of its many contributors. Our research team, including Hope Tarr, Margaret Hoppe, Angela Williams, and Devah Pager, talked at length with practitioners who work every day with "schoolwides" and completed this study on a short timeline. At Policy Studies Associates, colleagues Mary Leighton and Brenda Turnbull helped conceptualize this resource to balance research and practice, then pitched in as editors and co-writers to sharpen the prose.

The study built on lessons learned from prior research at Johns Hopkins University, led by Sam Stringfield, and RMC Research Corporation, led by Allen Schenck and Sharon Beckstrom. Case studies written by the RMC team gave us a fast start on identifying schools with promising practices and records of success. We were also assisted by the Department of Education-funded Technical Assistance Centers and Rural Technical Assistance Centers, which used their thorough knowledge of Chapter 1 programs to direct us to the most innovative schoolwide initiatives.

Finally, this volume was reviewed by a range of national and state policy makers who asked hard questions and encouraged us to pursue the subtleties and nuances that are the stuff of successful schools. We especially appreciate the support we received from Valena Plisko, Daphne Hardcastle, Joanne Bogart, and Mary Jean LeTendre at the U.S. Department of Education. They were committed to disseminating a report that reflects the achievements of talented teachers and school leaders who are making high-quality education a reality for so many children.

Ellen M. Pechman
Leila Fiester

Policy Studies Associates, Inc.
Washington, DC
May 1994
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[Letter from Secretary Riley]

[Executive Summary]