Tools for Schools, December 2000/January 2001, Vol. 4, No. 3
Support system: School improvement plans work best when staff learning is included
By Joan Richardson
Schools seem to have little trouble setting goals for themselves. And, with the current wave of interest in standardized testing, few schools lack information about student achievement.
Seeing the big picture
Use this chart to assemble information about the state, district, and school priorities. By putting standards and assessment data on the same sheet, team members will be able to visually see the expectations and the school\'s relationship to those expectations.
Professional development plan
Focus on a single subject area and write an action plan that will guide the staff in meeting the school\'s goal.
If not a workshop, then what?
Adult learning in schools can, and should, take many forms. Workshops are one way for teachers to learn. But most learning will occur as teachers work with colleagues in ways that enable them to reflect upon their professional practice.
Personal learning plan
After the school creates its professional development plan, the principal should work with each teacher to determine his or her unique learning needs for each standard.
