Bringing Focus: School Improvement | Edvantia (formerly AEL)
Program Description
The purpose of this professional development module is to help participants understand that "bringing focus" is key to successful attainment of any school improvement effort that results in increased student achievement. This first section of the module provides an operational definition for "bringing focus" and offers a rationale for its importance. Participants explore the research and literature related to the need for a limited number of goals and for program coherence -- the development of connections between and among programs and improvement goals. The second section of the module focuses on the systematic use of data, goals, and teamwork as processes for ongoing improvement and the power of the breakthrough strategy to energize improvement efforts. In sections three and four, participants leam about and practice a range of tools and strategies that can be used to bring focus, including strategic questioning and problem solving and the walkabout process.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Planning & Assessment (ISLLC standards 1 & 2) and Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 2)Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program participants will demonstrate the ability to:
- provide a rationale and operational definition for "bringing focus" as it relates to planning and leading ongoing school improvement efforts
- organize and lead teams in the use of quantitative and qualitative data to formulate goals for improvement
- formulate questions to promote reflection and dialogue around critical issues that relate to improvement efforts
- apply selected tools and strategies to a specific improvement initiative in their respective schools/divisions
Program Format
The instructional design uses a mix of "lecturettes" with PowerPoint and hands-on learning activities. Participants are afforded opportunities to explore each set of research-based concepts via structured group activities, including jigsaw cooperative learning, data on display, interview design, etc. They also engage in applications via the use of scenarios and mini-cases. The design incorporates reflection and dialogue throughout to encourage participants to active prior knowledge and experience, examine assumptions, reflect on practice, and learn from colleagues.Target Audience
Division leaders and central office staff; principals and assistant principals; school leadership teams.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
No (not as presently formatted)/Yes. The module could be presented to administrators, both school- and division-level, as well as school leadership teams.Duration of Program
Total hours of training: 12-16; can be delivered in 2 (or 3) 6-hour sessions or in 4-6 three-hour sessions.Outcomes Measured
- Increase in research-based understanding of the importance of focus in school improvement
- Increase in skill level, particularly in data analysis, goal formulation, and team leadership
- Commitment to use concepts and skills in leading improvement efforts
Program Evaluation
- End-of-session participant evaluation to gauge participant perception of value of experience
- Observation and feedback to participants in their use of tools and strategies
- Follow-up assessment to determine extent to which participants used information and skills presented in training
Contact Information
Beth D. Sattes, Sr. R&D Specialist
Edvantia
P.O. Box 1248
Charleston, WV 25325
Phone: 800-624-9120, ext. 5414
Email: sattesb@ael.org