Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
Wisdom From The Factory Floor
For best results, limit initiatives, build capacity, and monitor progress
By Chad Dumas and Craig Kautz
October 2014
Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
Hastings Public Schools
| Student results on Nebraska’s state reading and math tests2010-14 | ||||||
| The results of improvement efforts in Hastings Public Schools, as measured by state test scores, show strong and steady gains in student reading and math scores. |
||||||
| Grade | Reading | Math | ||||
| 2010 | 2014 | Change | 2011 | 2014 | Change | |
| Grades 3-8 average | 60 | 78 | +18 | 65 | 74 | +9 |
| 3 | 59 | 81 | +22 | 64 | 78 | +14 |
| 4 | 60 | 84 | +24 | 71 | 84 | +13 |
| 5 | 55 | 79 | +24 | 78 | 79 | +1 |
| 6 | 62 | 77 | +15 | 72 | 71 | -1 |
| 7 | 62 | 80 | +18 | 60 | 73 | +13 |
| 8 | 62 | 80 | +18 | 66 | 77 | +11 |
| 11 | 61 | 58 | -3 | 44 | 48 | +4 |
| In 2010, the average percent of students proficient in Hastings Public Schools was eight percentage points below the state average. In 2014, the average percent of students proficient was above the state average. This has been accomplished with almost 60% of students in poverty, compared to the state average of 44%. | ||||||
| Source: Hastings Public Schools. |
References
Deming, W.E. (1986). Out of the crisis. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.
DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., & Many, T. (2010). Learning by doing: A handbook for professional learning communities (2nd ed.). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.
Fullan, M. (2001). Leading in a culture of change. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Lambert, L. (1998). Building leadership capacity in schools. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Learning Forward. (2011). Standards for Professional Learning. Oxford, OH: Author.
Learning Forward. (2012). Standards into practice: School-based roles. Innovation Configuration maps for Standards for Professional Learning. Oxford, OH: Author.
Lezotte, L. (2005). More effective schools: Professional learning communities in action. In R. DuFour, R. Eaker, & R. DuFour (Eds.), On common ground: The power of professional learning communities. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.
Marzano, R.J. (2007). The art and science of teaching: A comprehensive framework for effective instruction. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC and RTI at Work®, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter and award-winning researcher. His leadership training and coaching focuses on building capacity for self, team, and system improvement. He shares his research and knowledge in his books, Let’s Put the C in PLC, An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC, and The Teacher Team Leader Handbook, and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills.
Craig Kautz (ckautz@esu9.org) is superintendent of schools for Hastings Public Schools in Hastings, Nebraska.
CURRENT ISSUE
Recent Issues
MAXIMIZING RESOURCES
August 2025
This issue offers advice about making the most of professional learning...
MEASURING LEARNING
June 2025
To know if your professional learning is successful, measure educators’...
NAVIGATING NEW ROLES
April 2025
Whether you’re new to your role or supporting others who are new,...
LEARNING DESIGNS
February 2025
How we learn influences what we learn. This issue shares essential...
