Beliefs

Our work is guided by a core set of beliefs that encompasses:

Effective Leadership: Without an effective school and district leader, change will not be sustained. The district leadership and school board members should work together to ensure that schools have great leaders who receive the support they need to be successful.

Aligned Governance: District leadership and school board members should work together to create and maintain the conditions necessary for continuous improvement. The school board, district leadership, and school leaders share responsibility for improving outcomes for children.

School Autonomy and Accountability: School board members and district leadership should free schools from a one-size-fits-all approach and provide them with the freedom and resources to build the programs and capabilities that address their specific needs.  School leaders need the autonomy to make decisions on curriculum, instructional practices, and use of time consistent with the school’s coherent, comprehensive action plan.  In exchange for this autonomy, school leaders need to be held accountable for substantially improving school performance.

Supportive Conditions: School Board members and district leadership should provide schools with the conditions required for continuous improvement,  including giving the principal autonomy for the selection of staff, increased learning time, a supportive school climate, and the autonomy required to implement all elements of the school’s coherent, comprehensive action plan.

Aligned Funding: Every available dollar needs to support the school’s action plan for improvement. Spending that is not aligned with school improvement priorities should be shifted.

Effective Planning and Implementation: Schools need time, structure, and support to diagnose their strengths and weaknesses and develop a strong, coherent action plan for improvement that drives the work of the school. District and school staff should work together to identify time and structures for collecting data on plan implementation, monitoring school progress, and supporting continuous improvement at the school.

Build Talent: District human resources policies and processes should help school principals hire and retain high-quality personnel at every level (support staff, paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators) with the commitment, skills, and experience necessary to turn around a low-performing school.

Engage Families and Community:  Schools and districts should provide opportunities for families and community members to engage in and support their child’s learning, as well as provide opportunities for parents and community members to provide feedback about school improvement planning and efforts.

Build Trust: Districts and Schools should build trust with families, students, and teachers they serve.