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



March 2004 | 144 pages | Corwin
This book addresses the six steps used by nation-wide schools and specifically by the Compton Unified School District to overcome low-performance. Countless examples on how multi-stressed, low-performing schools can overcome obstacles to respond to the unique learning needs of students and adults are provided in each of the six steps. The purpose of the key results accountability process is to establish and document successful reform practices that address the multiple challenges for low-performing schools. The reform process intends to effectively implement appropriate action plans that reach and surpasses a school's required growth results.
 
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

"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! This compact little volume offers countless aids for systemic reform, from six giant steps to many small forms. There is much to be gleaned from the Compton Story, which will be applicable to others who would turn their districts around."

Roland S. Barth
Author, Lessons Learned

"[This] is a valuable book for anyone seriously interested in having more effective schools. This is not a one-shot panacea, but a detailed recipe of what can be done to improve student academic improvement."

Education News, Spring 2004

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ISBN: 9780761931744
£21.99