School Improvement

Question 1

Topic: Identifying the Key Issues/Problems

Questions to Focus Your Response:

Answer 1

a. What are the two key issues/problems that impact student learning that are presented in the scenario, the Strategic School Profile and the other documents considered together? Describe each of the two problems/issues in detail, using specific references to the Strategic School profile and other documents.
b. How does each of the two issues/problems impact student leaning? Explain your answer specifically.

Question 2

Topic: Identifying the Key Issues/Problems

Strategies for Answering Question 1:

Answer 2

• Think BIG PICTURE about the issues that impact student learning (poor school climate, divided faculty, lack of a coherent/unified vision, divided school body, power conflict in the community that spills over into school, policy conflicts, etc.)
• Compare this school to the schools in the district/DRG/state.
• In identifying the two most significant issues, reflect first on the documents and then look for support within the SSP.
• Support your discussion of the two issues/concerns you identify with data from all sources (documents as well as the SSP).
• Be sure to discuss how student learning and achievement are affected. (What are the negative indicators that show lack of student achievement/growth?)

Question 3

Topic: Addressing the Key Issues/Problems

Questions to Focus Your Response:

Answer 3

a. What actions would you take, whom would you involve, and what additional information would you seek in addressing these issues/problems in a way that would have a positive impact on student learning?
b. What is your rationale for each action taken? Base your rationale on your vision of effective school leadership.

Question 4

Topic: Addressing the Key Issues/Problems

Strategies for Answering Question 2 (part 1):

Answer 4

• Involve every group you think might be involved in the issues or share concerns relative to these (parents, students, faculty, central office administration, community, business).
• Form appropriate committees involving above-mentioned constituencies to assist in investigating concerns, including collecting data relative to these.
• Indicate, as appropriate and relevant, how committees will analyze the data and make recommendations based on their findings.
• Professional development for staff in relationship to academic issues (curricular modifications, differentiation, cooperative learning)
• Literacy programs in relationship to reading/writing performance of students
• Diversity training in relationship to negative climate for students/staff (cultural issues, academic abilities, etc)

Question 5

Topic: Addressing the Key Issues/Problems

Strategies for Answering Question 2 (part 2):

Answer 5

• Peer mediation and rules in schools in relationship to a divided student body
• Behavioral standards in relationship to student behavior
• Reference all four School Leader Categories.
• Knowledge of learners
• Knowledge of teaching & learning processes, curriculum, & assessment
• Shared vision, goals and school improvement practices
• Role in shaping school culture and policy design
• Use key words and demonstrate your understanding of these providing specifics and through elaboration. (Shared Vision, Reflection, Change Agent, Proactive, Parent-School Collaboration, Self-awareness, Individuality, Mutual Respect, Socioeconomic issues, Interconnectedness, Shared Responsibility for Success, Diverse Perspectives, Analysis of Multiple Sources of Data, Community Support, Forward Thinking, Support Student Learning, Culture Impacts Learning)

Question 6

Topic: Evaluation Your Action Plan

Questions to Focus Your Response:

Answer 6

a. What criteria would you use to determine the effectiveness of your actions? Provide specific details of what would be evaluated.
b. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of your actions? Explain the process and the people involved.

Question 7

Topic: Evaluation Your Action Plan

Strategies for Answering Question 3:

Answer 7

• Is there a consensus from varying groups?
• Examine qualitative data from parents, teachers, students, and community. (questionnaires, surveys, observations, students’ response, teacher reactions, etc.)
• Examine quantitative (hard) data from students to measure improvement in student learning. (standardized test scores, dropout rate, course selections, grades on report cards, honor roll numbers, Compensatory education numbers, special education enrollment)
• Always be ready to assess the course of action and modify, if improvement is not noted.

Question 8

Scoring Rubrics

Category 1: Knowledge of Learners

Answer 8

• Understanding of Learners
• Students as Learners
• Teachers as Learners
• Diversity of Learners

Question 9

Scoring Rubrics

Category 2: Knowledge of Teaching and Learning

Answer 9

• Teaching and Learning
• Curriculum
• Assessment of Learning
• Diversity
• Professional Development

Question 10

Scoring Rubrics

Category 3: School Leader Vision, Goals, and School Improvement Practices

Answer 10

• Vision and Goals
• Assessment for School Improvement

Question 11

Scoring Rubrics

Category 4: School Leader Role in School Culture and Policy

Answer 11

• School Culture
• Policy
• Diversity
• Parents and Community