Turnaround Schools can be found in every part of the country. Some call them “Low-Performing,” or “High-Needs.” Most recently, they can be seen in the categories of “Transformative” or even “Restructured” in hopes that the names will bring about the meanings. As a school leader, many of you will find yourselves leading schools that fit into this category. Schools that have high percentages of Free and Reduced Lunch Schools, and low average years of teaching staff. These struggling schools can be a challenge for a leader. However, if you are equipped with the understanding of what systems need to be put in place, the “struggling” can quickly become “striving.”
Reading:
Note to Students: Usage of the following link will give you vital research in developing your plan. Go to: http://www.floridaLinks to an external site.schoolleaders.orgLinks to an external site.
Field Placement Demographics Data Collection: Complete at Link provided
Assignment:
Part 1: Candidates conduct interviews and collect other data to provide an explanation of the process for monitoring and ensuring the school’s learning goals and classroom instruction are aligned to the state’s student academic standards and the district’s adopted curricula and K-12 reading plan. Additionally, candidates describe comprehensive progress monitoring systems within their school settings and how a variety of student performance data is utilized to identify areas that need improvement, and how school leaders use the data and identified areas for improvement to provide coaching to improve student learning and promote high expectations for the academic growth and well-being of all students. Candidates reflect on this process, including potential areas for further review or improvement. Candidates submit a 2-to-3-page paper addressing each topic area in narrative format.
Part 2: In collaboration with teachers and school leaders, candidates identify a subject area of focus (e.g., math, reading) and review the school’s use of evidence-based interventions, and approaches to acceleration and enrichment. Candidates summarize their school’s plan and based on available data and a review of the literature, provide 2 recommendations for improvement (e.g., additional evidence-based intervention, enrichment activity, adjustments to the strategies for acceleration, etc.).
Written Paper: Your paper should be organized with the subtitles as follows…
Title Page: Assessing Curriculum Alignment and Instructional Effectiveness & School-wide Subject Area Improvement
Part 1 Assessing Curriculum Alignment and Instructional Effectiveness (2-3 pages) : This section will discuss the following:
- Overview of interviews and collection data to provide an explanation of the process for monitoring and ensuring the school’s learning goals and classroom instruction are aligned to the state’s student academic standards and the district’s adopted curricula and K-12 reading plan.
- Describe comprehensive progress monitoring systems within their school settings and how a variety of student performance data is utilized to identify areas that need improvement.
- Describe how school leaders use the data and identify areas for improvement to provide coaching to improve student learning and promote high expectations for the academic growth and well-being of all students.
Recommendations for Improvement (1-2 paragraphs): This section will discuss reflect on this process, including potential areas for further review or improvement
Part 2 School-wide Subject Area Improvement (2-3 pages): This section will discuss the following:
- identify a subject area of focus (e.g., math, reading) and review the school’s use of evidence-based interventions
- overview the school’s use of evidence-based interventions
- overview of approaches to acceleration and enrichment
- summarize the school’s plan and based on available data and a review of the literature
Recommendations for Improvement (1-2 paragraphs): This section will provide 2 recommendations for improvement (e.g., additional evidence-based intervention, enrichment activity, adjustments to the strategies for acceleration, etc.).
References
See the Course Syllabus for Rubric
Student Action Required: This assignment has been designated as a Field Experience Assessment for which the Educational Leadership program collects data on the performance of the candidate. After completing this assignment, please follow the instructions given by your instructor.