|
School improvement is a multi-faceted concept. It has many parts and participants. The focus of school improvement is increasing student achievement. This increase results from the interaction of the parts and participants. For school improvement to be successful, first it must be continuous. Improvement with limited goals does not provide for the continuous aspect of improvement. Goals must be set on an ongoing basis, with each higher than the last. Secondly, sound data must provide the basis for the goals guiding the school improvement process. Without the use of data, the process will not have focus. Additionally, the school must adopt a philosophy and a desire that is committed to improvement. Every teacher must take this philosophy and commitment as a personal commitment to the educational improvement process. The school must then communicate this commitment to improvement to the students and parents, because without their input and support, the process will be difficult. Along with the philosophy, an appropriate environment for the teachers must be developed and maintained. This environment, developed by the administration and lead teachers, promotes a cooperative and collegial atmosphere within the school. This atmosphere provides support and encouragement to teachers so that they can take risks and implement concepts that truly improve student learning. Lastly, teachers must implement teaching methods and strategies that increase student learning. These methods should address varied learning styles and needs of the students. Integration of these concepts allows all students to be successful learners. |
|
