A1: School improvement means that we strive to learn, grow, innovate, and improve in our mission to do what's best for kids. https://t.co/u4aSQQEJz5#engagechat
Such a BIG question right out of the gate! On a small scale, it means we are in a process of always trying to hone our practices and structures based on our relationships w kids and their changing needs. On a large scale, it's a HUGE process of Plan, Do, Study, Act...#EngageChat
A1: Looking for new ways to build relationships with students, parents, & the community. Curriculum wise: I’m looking for new and innovative methods to teach skills. #EngageChat
A1: no matter how good you are, you can always get better! School improvement is about finding ways to build upon all the good things that you already doing and find solutions in the areas you may struggle. #engagechat
A1. Check out this photo that was taken just before year 2 began at our SIG (School Improvement Grant) school. Working toward developing the strongest team possible so we could accomplish whatever students needed during the year. #engagechat
A1: It means taking a wholistic look at what works in the school and collaborating with admin, staff, and students towards a working plan to meeting the social, emotional, academic, and mindful needs of all involved and invested. #engagechat
Improvement requires an understanding that growth is necessary & progress is optimal. When a school culture thrives on innovation & creativity-improvement becomes the cornerstone of that community #engagechat When schools recognize opportunities for reflection improvement follows
Such a BIG question right out of the gate! On a small scale, it means we are in a process of always trying to hone our practices and structures based on our relationships w kids and their changing needs. On a large scale, it's a HUGE process of Plan, Do, Study, Act...#EngageChat
Improvement requires an understanding that growth is necessary & progress is optimal. When a school culture thrives on innovation & creativity-improvement becomes the cornerstone of that community #engagechat When schools recognize opportunities for reflection improvement follows
A1: Howdy #engagechat from Barbara in Texas. School improvement means looking at survey data, test scores, attendance rates, faculty feedback, goals and expectations and deciding where you want to start, to get better so that students, staff, and stakeholders flourish!
A1. At the last SIG setting there was a distinctive school to prison pipeline that we often discussed. We made it our mission to STOP this practice and give students the skills they so desperately needed.
and ... yes, their achievement in reading soared high! #engagechat
A1: School Improvement means using all resources strategically to better meet the needs and improve the quality of students, teachers, and all other staff in your building. #EngageChat
A1: School Improvement means using all resources strategically to better meet the needs and improve the quality of students, teachers, and all other staff in your building. #EngageChat
A1 means ongoing growth, through collaboration, communication, involving all members of the learning community in the decisions, sharing vision for success, reflecting regularly and setting new goals #engagechat
A1:School improvement is all about celebrating the victories but having a critical eye to keep moving forward. Taking a hard look at the culture, people, and performance of of school. Is what being done producing the results we want or do we need to reflect.
#engagechat
A1: It means getting all stakeholders on the same page, with focus and vision, as you find new ways to engage and excite students in every subject, every day! #engagechat
A1: Jumping in. School improvementcan mean to the actual structures, aesthetics, & physical space. Generally though, it means there’s a real or perceived problem with the education of children, in some form or fashion. #engagechat
A1: This goes beyond needs assessments and voluminous binders of documents to be in compliance...school improvement is having a pulse on the areas of growth in the school -annually. #engagechat
Congratulationsns Eric! Blessings to you on your new position
I know this will help you bless even more people! We are so proud of you!
@daviswelcome#engagechat
In reply to
@ElizRussellEdu, @daviswelcome, @stephenkelley85, @valerietilton, @jamesvarlack, @R_CILR, @mexusmx, @mr_hayes, @ChrisQuinn64, @Rdene915, @rbreyer51, @ChouinardJahant, @inspire0818, @ziz87, @daviswelcome
A1: School improvement includes an honest reflection on the extent to which all students, including those traditionally marginalized, have an equitable chance to succeed &thrive, committing to removing barriers, providing fair access& ensuring equity of outcomes #EngageChat
A2- Having a focused goal. Not trying to fix everything at once. Target one area of growth. Give it time to grow and play out. Sometimes we are too quick to pull the plug on initiatives. #engagechat
A2. We had ours collaboratively written and reflecting four goals. More than 4 will never actually get accomplished. They were reading, math, behavior and staff professional learning. #engagechat
A2: You need to have research to back up your plan. Your strategies should be limited, clear and measurable. Activities must match and support your strategies. ##EngageChat
A2: using data informed decision making with input from varying stakeholders to develop an effective plan that will be monitored and assessed for its effectiveness to meet the intended outcome of improvement.
#engagechat
A2. Identifying the areas of improvement...setting tangible goals for target areas...setting steps to achieve goals...And the plan is Re-visited and steps revised when necessary #EngageChat
A2: Gathering stakeholders to look at what you've got, find holes that need to be filled, align your goals with district expectations and goals, figure out who will be in charge of implementation and support, Adapt and update as needed. #engagechat
A2: You need to have research to back up your plan. Your strategies should be limited, clear and measurable. Activities must match and support your strategies. ##EngageChat
A2: An effective school improvement plan includes ALL stakeholders—that means STUDENTS must be a part of it, too! Start with a shared vision. Reflect and determine needs and goals. Decide upon action steps together. Continue to reflect and grow throughout the process. #engagechat
The 1st component is a well represented team of Ts, staff, parents, and Ss who help to develop the goals. The team then seeks input from other stakeholder groups to determine strategies and structures to meet the goals. Everyone should see themselves in the plan #engagechat
A2: Data looking at all subgroups, Strategic plans grounded in research, Timelines, Stakeholders responsible for each activity, Vision, Mission, Goals, School activities, etc. #EngageChat
A2: these should have a focus on student learning & wellbeing; they should have action items, folks responsible for those actions, timelines, measurable outcomes and indicators of success. #EngageChat
A2: An effective SIP is an authentic reflection of what is working well towards student outcomes and an honest plan for capitalizing on the positives while examining how to help nurture those positives. #engagechat
A2. We spent a year working toward the Building Leadership Team (BLT) understanding SMART goals and using data to write them. The 2nd year more staff attended the training and by the 3rd year all had SMART goals training under their belt. Important so ALL write goals #engagechat
A2 An amazing tool to drive continuous cycles of ed. growth is the #SpiralofInquiry. Start by asking three key questions about your learners. Then, scan, focus on an issue, develop a hunch, learn & research, take action, and check results. Rinse and repeat. #engagechat@noiie_bc
A2: Starts with a clear vision for what you want to accomplish. 1 or 2 areas of focus, as more than that gets too overwhelming. I like to add a new focus every year, after meeting the goals we set the year before & we keep building upon the great stuff we're doing! #engagechat
A2: Starts with a clear vision for what you want to accomplish. 1 or 2 areas of focus, as more than that gets too overwhelming. I like to add a new focus every year, after meeting the goals we set the year before & we keep building upon the great stuff we're doing! #engagechat
First, the goals must be feasible. They should not be large and complex bc they will fall apart. Lastly, we should be focused on helping students become independent learners. #EngageChat
A2 Belief...Action...Dedication...a good plan is only as good as the stakeholders invested in it...With every edu decision, we need the character to carry it out #EngageChat
I have to admit that in my experience...I have witnessed way to many SIPs that are pieces of paper that check off a box in order to say that there is a plan. It sits in a files somewhere until it is time to redesign it. The opposite is required! #engagechat
A2. I watch as some schools believe if they purchase this or that program, their school improvement plan will work (hey, decades ago I did this too!) Over time I carefully learned, it begins with a team, then goal setting by ALL .... #engagechat
A2. I watch as some schools believe if they purchase this or that program, their school improvement plan will work (hey, decades ago I did this too!) Over time I carefully learned, it begins with a team, then goal setting by ALL .... #engagechat
A2: #engagechat In a nut shell....
1. What do the students need?
2. What do the teachers need to effectively meet student needs?
3. How will the administration support, encourage, fund, and lead the improvement process?
Yes! That's why we invested a tremendous amount of time, upfront, to collaborative goal writing. Admin served as facilitators of the process. #engagechat
Buy in-which comes from building a trusting, respectful and collaborative community. A strong school culture has a cohesion of vision, mission and mindfulness. When the goal is common and the path flexible but carved then the plan is very manageable and achievable #engagechat
A2 #engagechat When every voice is heard, appreciated and valued then there is a bond and this bond creates an atmosphere of improvement based on an effort magnified through mindfulness
Yes! The Building Leadership Team worked to develop the SIG goals and then worked with their PLCs back at the building to write them. That proved a 'ittle more challenging until the majority were trained in SMART goal writing. #engagechat
A3: teachers, administrators. It would be best to also have parents and students, but its not always easy getting them involved in the process. #engagechat
I've been doing an interesting study of test scores short-term vs. retention a few months later. Quick short-term doesn't necessarily mean better long-term #engagechat
How do we ensure that we protect the interests of the most marginalized when louder stakeholder voices represent the status quo and not necessarily the interests of the most underserved? #EngageChat
A3: Leadership team, students, parents, district representative, teachers from special programs, parents, community stakeholders, pretty much anyone with a stake in what we do. Students FOR SURE! We must do school WITH them, not to them. #engagechat
A3: The SIP should be a living document that is on the table at all times, with the involvement of all from admin, staff, students, and parents (as well as community members). It should be transparent... #engagechat
Everyone- administrators, teachers, faculty, students and parents. Together they form the community and culture of the school and together they create the grooves that lead to amazing innovations #engagechat
A3: Everyone!!! Parents, community members, students, staff, office staff, custodians! These kids are our future, and we all have a role in helping them achieve and lead promising and successful lives! #engagechat
Teachers, classified staff, parents, and kids. Transparency is key to understanding mission/vision, and for engaging in the process itself. #EngageChat
A3. I believe there is a HUGE gap that needs to be filled for educators to begin understanding how to involve the community.
Consultants could really flourish in helping schools learn more about this. Without the community and parents = whistling in the wind. #engagechat
A3: Everyone!!! Parents, community members, students, staff, office staff, custodians! These kids are our future, and we all have a role in helping them achieve and lead promising and successful lives! #engagechat
Teachers, classified staff, parents, and kids. Transparency is key to understanding mission/vision, and for engaging in the process itself. #EngageChat
A3: All stakeholders must be a part of the school improvement process—students, teachers, school leadership, parents, community supporters. They must play an authentic role, too...not just checking a box by saying we gave them a survey, etc. #engagechat
A3: I think it would be wise and help to have varying stakeholders from people in the school to community members because they all bring varying perspectives on the matter. By giving all a place at the table you encourage voice, choice and buy in.
#EngageChat
Whatever components of a plan you choose, if it doesn't involve parent voice, teacher voice, and student voice, it doesn't cut the mustard. That said; quality of instruction, rigor, student engagement, parent engagement, feedback, teacher and student accountability. #EngageChat
A3: All stakeholders must be a part of the school improvement process—students, teachers, school leadership, parents, community supporters. They must play an authentic role, too...not just checking a box by saying we gave them a survey, etc. #engagechat
A3 Everyone! If we put sweat and blood into the process...why do we sometimes feel like our ideas matter more than others when we are just as dedicated to our part of supporting a school #EngageChat
A3. This graphic comes to mind for schools who give lip service to involving families and community members in the school improvement plans ........
running against the wind!
#engagechat
I'm glad you mentioned custodians, Robert. They are so often overlooked, but frequently have the wisdom and institutional knowledge to make any improvement plan better. #engagechat
A3: Everyone. Students, teachers, parents, community, and admin are all vital to the growth of their school. All opinions should be heard and valued to create an environment of ownership. #EngageChat
A clear vision to provide a clear direction. A set of how too’s even if they are only there to start the push. Milestones that are visible to everyone and 100% buy in #engagechat
A3 All parents should be involved in the school improvement process regardless of race & education! We should never underestimate the importance of our families! #EngageChat
They will but in when they see the benefits that their children get form the improvement plan ... our students become the spokes people once they get home #engagechat
Yes it's a yearly thing and can become more routine than a chance to be reflective and impact change...not just busy work but a plan for improvement #EngageChat
That's awesome! Office staff and custodial staff are the dynamic duo of any school. I wouldn't have made it through my first year as a teacher (and later as a principal) without them. #engagechat
The best way to monitor is to talk to colleagues and administrators and check the temperature of the climate. To share your ideas and attend meetings and keep an open dialogue flowing. #engagechat Stay in the know and mingle with the community
A4: We can monitor a school improvement plan by making our learning visible. Record the inquiry, action, and reflection that is taking place. Meet regularly to engage in dialogue about how things are going. Adjust as needed. Keep moving forward. #engagechat
A2 conversations and meetings to review, create surveys, a way to collect data, evaluate and invite school community in to make adjustments and set next steps #engagechat
The best way to monitor is to talk to colleagues and administrators and check the temperature of the climate. To share your ideas and attend meetings and keep an open dialogue flowing. #engagechat Stay in the know and mingle with the community
Yes. I'm thinking they don't trust it is worth the effort to move forward. They believe those advocating change will, for example, make everyone work for naught. #engagechat
In reply to
@PLloydHenry, @Rdene915, @SteinbrinkLaura
A4: I think the school climate is a great indicator. If everyone is miserable & only doing things out of compliance, it's likely the plan isn't working. But, if everyone is enthusiastic & motivated to reach the stated goals, then it's a good plan that should continue. #engagechat
A4: We have monthly meetings, and quarterly meetings where we check our progress, and have discussions around what is working, what is completed, and what needs to be addressed. It has to be in the forefront if we want it to help make an impact. #engagechat
A4. Most plans have 4 goals w/ several objectives under them. BE SURE to ask question when objective is written, "How can educators easily measure this for improvement without adding a huge burden into their day."
Could quickly become 4 goals x 4 obj = 16 measures #engagechat
A4: progressive check in points. Its vital to examine periodically to ensure that the plan is producing the intended outcomes. Plan these times and ensure stakeholders have a voice.
#EngageChat
A4: I think the school climate is a great indicator. If everyone is miserable & only doing things out of compliance, it's likely the plan isn't working. But, if everyone is enthusiastic & motivated to reach the stated goals, then it's a good plan that should continue. #engagechat
Start with the schools’s basic purpose , to develop literate & numerate kids. What is our data in this saying. Then move to are our kids happy & balanced? What have we got that indicates this? If not that’s a starting point. #engagechat
In reply to
@PLloydHenry, @Rdene915, @SteinbrinkLaura
A4 I think if enough listening, buy-in, and encouragement takes place, stakeholders will begin to hold themselves accountable...putting that responsibility on just a few people defeats the purpose of the plan #EngageChat
A4: We have monthly meetings, and quarterly meetings where we check our progress, and have discussions around what is working, what is completed, and what needs to be addressed. It has to be in the forefront if we want it to help make an impact. #engagechat
A4. Have those around the table ask each other .... is this objective so important that we want all teachers spending their valuable time measuring it? If the answer is "YES!" then you have a goal worth measuring. #engagechat
A4. Walk-throughs to identify needs..classroom by teams, or whole school by staff...Surveys...Interviews with Stakeholders, PD, Student Voice #EngageChat
A4 ensure, in the first instance that the plan is alive and always visible. Keep the conversations alive, create a clear narrative so everyone embodies it through their actions. Monitoring it then moves from a forced process to a dynamic I teratoc process #EngageChat
Student voice is often overlooked. You want to know what needs to be addressed and how to fix a problem in your school...ask your students! #engagechat
A5: If a school community can make progress on their improvement plan, the shared sense of achievement and success can be beneficial and reaffirming. #engagechat
A5: The school improvement process impacts school culture every step of the way. Initially, there's a negative impact, whether slight or large, and then the goal would be for the end game to be a large positive impact on culture. #EngageChat
A5: If a school community can make progress on their improvement plan, the shared sense of achievement and success can be beneficial and reaffirming. #engagechat
Consistent and Continual growth creates an atmosphere of innovation and camaraderie. When a school culture is positive and supportive-there is no end to the creativity and ingenuity that will flourish #engagechat a school will set new goals and envision new strategies daily
A5: I think it is the opposite. If you school culture isn't strong, your school improvement is going to struggle. You need to have everyone buying in, and focused on how to improve your school. Culture ultimately drives school improvement. #engagechat
A5: In most cases, it narrows the focus in schools. It also contributes to growth-mindsets and makes it clear that share leadership should be practiced. #engagechat
Oh dear ... I just went outside to check the seawall and wind. :-( High tide isn't for another three hours and the waves are soaring over the seawall as they were earlier today https://t.co/uSPLdGk04T I will be glad when this is over with tomorrow! #engagechat
A5: The school improvement process can completely transform a culture—for better or worse. If all stakeholders are not genuinely involved, it creates a culture of disillusionment & apathy. If all ARE involved, it creates a culture of growth, learning, & teamwork. #engagechat
This presents an opportunity to have different stakeholders helping to co-create a vision for success and wellbeing for all students & staff (with an understanding that we’re only as successful as the least successful among us #EngageChat
In reply to
@LaneWalker2, @Rdene915, @SteinbrinkLaura
A5 If the process is implemented, you will start to see small changes at first and gradual if not immediate positive change...attitudes become different and everyone will notice a difference #EngageChat
A5: It can improve the current culture; it can create a new and better culture; or it can destroy any hope for a positive culture. I've seen the implementation of bad plans too often, which usually results in a culture of automatons compliantly following the rules. #engagechat
A5: In most cases, it narrows the focus in schools. It also contributes to growth-mindsets and makes it clear that share leadership should be practiced. #engagechat
A5: Ts and other members of the school community should have a say/comment on the SIP. This builds buy in and will in turn make them work harder to reach their own set goals. #sharedgoals#sharedvision#EngageChat
A5. Many times I think that's reversed...If people aren't cohesive team, a toxic environment can develop and learning many times, can't happen under those circumstances #EngageChat
What about when we can’t settle on what the basic purpose is. Some could, for eg., say the basic purpose is to develop critical thinking, caring and ethical citizens #engagechat
In reply to
@RayBoyd007, @Rdene915, @SteinbrinkLaura
A5: Ts and other members of the school community should have a say/comment on the SIP. This builds buy in and will in turn make them work harder to reach their own set goals. #sharedgoals#sharedvision#EngageChat
A4: Walkthroughs and Observations (in house and out-sometimes we can be bias), Data Collection, periodic assessments, self assessments, SIT meetings, principal meetings, etc #EngageChat
