Issue 150: Sep 19, 2011 Connections Newsletter
Changing the School Culture
Bill Blynt
Oct 24, 2011
What does it take to change a school culture?
Trying to change schools to improve student achievement has been a goal of administrators for years. Educators have been collecting information on what works in schools for a long time. From this body of information we now know what needs to occur to really make a difference. From his book, Leading Change in Your School, Doug Reeves profiles a school that engaged in a "no failure" campaign. From his analysis he identifies seven elements that moved this school from typical to exemplary. They are:
1. Early, frequent and decisive intervention Students struggling in core academic subjects must be identified quickly (every 3 weeks) and have a personalized assistance plan developed for them.
2. Making personal connections with struggling students
Teachers must reach out to at-risk students and build personal connections. This provides support as well as sending a message that adult people care about them.
3. Making connection to parents
Parents are contacted as soon as a student begins to struggle. There is no waiting until the student fails for that marking period before soliciting the support of the parent(s).
4. Extensive tutoring offered in a variety of formats
Recognizing that students learn in different ways, a variety of tutorial options are available to students; technology based, teacher tutoring, peer tutoring and 'study buddies.'
5. Managing student choices with decisive intervention
Student schedules are not locked in for the year. Schedule changes are made as necessary so students are provided any additional instruction necessary to be successful.
6. Offering in-school assistance
Exemplary schools recognize that students and parents are busy; consequently, rather than relying on summer or after-school programs intervention is provided within the context of the school day.
7. Reforming the grading system
Care is taken to develop a grading system that is accurate, fair and timely. Zero's are never given, using grades as punishment is forbidden and the concept of 'averaging grades' is closely monitored to eliminate misuse. Grading, and the impact it has on student effort, must be closely examined.
As the new Common Core Standards are implemented, it will be necessary to examine current practices in school and make difficult decisions as to how you can get students to achieve to the level expected. There is no silver bullet. School leaders must be willing to confront the issues, analyze their current priorities and structure and change where necessary to meet the needs of the students. It is hard work but it is worth it.
Source: Leading Change in Your School, Douglas B Reeves, 2009
What have you tried in your school that really had a posittive impact on student achievement?
