Description:

This issue draws upon McREL's extensive research and experience with school reform to provide educators with a new perspective on school improvement.

Key Ideas:

In “Three school improvement mistakes (and how to avoid them),” Ceri Dean and Bryan Goodwin describe common pitfalls to school improvement: 1) treating the symptoms instead of the problem, 2) ignoring intangibles, and 3) biting off more than you can chew.

“Creating a culture of high expectations,” by Zoe Barley and Helen Apthorp, describes key findings from McREL's study of "beat-the-odds" schools, including the intangible aspects of high-performing schools.

“RTI model uses data to improve instruction ‘here & now,’” by Helen Apthorp, describes how the Response to Intervention (RTI) process can be applied to all students and help teachers become more data-driven in how they plan and deliver instruction.

Mike Galvin explains how schools can use a "fractal experience" to generate quick wins, develop staff members' "collective efficacy," and promote larger systemic improvement efforts in “‘Fractal’" experiences, quick wins, and school success.”

“Montview Elementary: A lesson in sustainability,” by Heather Hein, reports that this high-poverty school has managed to sustain high levels of student performance by focusing on intangibles and maintaining a culture of high expectations.

APA Citation:

Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning. (2007, Spring.) Changing Schools, 55. Denver, CO: Author.

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