Real change comes from teachers and administrators working together It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a community of educators to improve a school-a community that includes administrators and teachers in different, but equally important, roles. A district's changes can only show results once their improvements reach the classroom. At the same time, teachers need support from their districts to make their own changes have lasting impact. In this brief companion book to Getting Serious About the System: A Fieldbook for District and School Leaders, you will get the background and see exactly where you as a teacher or other stakeholder fit in the process of implementing solutions system-wide. You'll also learn about The research behind the Working Systematically approach, which focuses on healthy organizational cultures, professional development, innovation, and accountability The goals of the approach, which include addressing components and competencies at all levels A five-phase process for implementing a systemic improvement plan at the district, school, and classroom levels Teachers don't need another "quick fix" that gives a temporary boost to school performance-they need comprehensive guidance for making meaningful change that will last. Getting Serious About the System enables educators at all levels to work together, share leadership, and create a culture that values collaboration, continuous learning, and professional respect and trust.
A focused approach to raising student achievement For many districts, the improvement process can seem like trying to nail Jello to the wall. This fieldbook shows how to avoid a haphazard approach by focusing on all aspects of the system and specific issues that have most impact upon student achievement. This multidimensional process also entails increasing the competencies of everyone involved and implementing solutions districtwide. The authors outline a proven framework and offer step-by-step guidance for addressing the essential components and competencies of the local educational system. Key strategies include: Concentrating on aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment to state and Common Core State Standards Working on the underlying issues and people that impact the system Garnering support from all staff members to maximize time, resources, and energy Included are vignettes for each phase that illustrate how the work might play out in typical districts and schools. Hands-on tools include an extensive Facilitator Guide with PowerPoint slides, handouts, and a companion website with online resources. A separate volume provides a brief overview of the process for staff and teachers that provides a brief rationale based on research, explains what it means to work systemically, and outlines the phases. There is no "quick fix" for boosting school performance, but Getting Serious About the System will help district and school leaders set priorities, break the gridlock, and reap sustainable results.
