School reform or school improvement means different things to different people. Each stakeholder views the issue from a different perspective. Given the myriad points of view and concerns implicit with school improvement – the topic needs to be approached with committed school leadership.
Without committed leadership any attempt at school reform will fail. The research demonstrates over and over that leadership is the key element to successful and sustained school improvement.
Before even beginning the school improvement planning process, it is imperative that school leadership has (repeatedly) demonstrated successful outcomes through strong working relationships with their staff, students, parents, district, and community stakeholders.
Successful school leadership starts the (school improvement) conversation. What does that look like? They construct an overview of their perception(s); what areas they think (or District leadership has noted) are in need of improvement. They begin asking questions (of all stakeholders) about their areas of concerns and in their view are in need of improvement. Conversation is encouraged and feedback from all stakeholders shared and valued.
Collectively, using the ideas and concerns shared in their school improvement conversations, school leadership and staff can build the foundation (objectives, goals and flexible strategies) of their site’s school improvement plan.
The Link to Teachers' Success...
Dr. Kathleen Salzano, Ed.D.
