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Aim Higher

Lofty goals and an aligned system keep a high performer on top

By Learning Forward
February 2014
Every school district is feeling the pressure to ensure higher academic achievement for all students. A focus on professional learning for an administrative team not only improves student learning and achievement, but also assists in developing a systemic approach for continued success. This is how the Fox Chapel Area School District in Pennsylvania propels the high-performing district forward. Fox Chapel Area School District is a nationally recognized, award-winning public school district with high student achievement. Located in a suburban community about 11 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the district encompasses an area of 36 square miles with 30,000 residents. Six municipalities (the boroughs of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, and Sharpsburg, and the townships of Indiana and O’Hara) comprise the district and represent a wide range of

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Authors

David P. McCommons

David P. McCommons (david_mccommons@fcasd.edu) is assistant superintendent of the Fox Chapel Area School District in Pittsburgh, Pa.

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References

Sousa, D.A. & Tomlinson, C.A. (2011). Differentiation and the brain. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.

Tomlinson, C.A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Tomlinson, C.A. & McTighe, J. (2006). Integrating differentiated instruction & understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Waters, T., Marzano, R.J., & McNulty, B. (2003). Balanced leadership: What 30 years of research tells us about the effect of leadership on student achievement. Aurora, CO: McREL.

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Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so they can achieve success with their systems, schools, and students.

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