10 Strategies for Doubling Student Performance

This book shows how to create a school improvement plan that will lead to the doubling of student performance

In a new era of education stimulus funds, this book shows school and district leaders how to create a school improvement plan that will qualify them for stimulus funding. Allan R. Odden provides ten research-based strategies which can lead to a dramatic improvement in student performance, regardless of school or district size, location, or demographics. Based on the author's research in numerous schools around the United States-most with large numbers of students of poverty-the book details the ten key strategies leading to radically increased student achievement, with powerful examples of schools that have successfully used these practices to achieve impressive gains. The strategies of this title include: setting ambitious goals; changing the curriculum; using data and assessments; providing continuous and intensive professional development; adjusting school day and instructional time; promoting collaboration and best practices; and, developing the necessary human capital or talent to successfully produce large improvements in student achievement.

Preface Acknowledgments About The Author 1. Understanding the Performance Challenge

Pressure to Improve Performance

Analyzing State Student Test Data

Conducting Curriculum Standards Audits

Summary 2. Set Ambitious Goals

Beyond Motivational Theory

Beyond the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations

Setting Very High Goals

Thinking Big Is Quintessentially American

Summary 3. Change the Curriculum Program and Create a New Instructional Vision

Adopting New Textbooks and Instructional Visions

Assessing Effectiveness of Curriculum and Instructional Approaches

Collaborative Work

Summary 4. Benchmark and Formative Assessments and Data-Based Decision Making

Overview of Benchmark and Formative Assessments

Benchmark and Formative Assessments in Montgomery County, Maryland

A Comment on Value-Added Measures

Summary 5. Provide Ongoing, Intensive Professional Development

The Features of Effective Professional Development

Examples of Professional Development Programs

Summary 6. Using Time Efficiently and Effectively

Extending the School Year and Day

Better Uses of Time

Summary 7. Extend Learning Time for Struggling Students

Some Contextual Points

Time During the Regular School Day

Time Outside the Regular School Day but Within the Regular School Year

Time Outside the Regular School Year

Summary 8. Collaborative Cultures and Distributed Leadership

A Collaborative School Culture

Structuring Collaborative Cultures

Distributed Leadership

Summary 9. Professional and Best Practices

Indicators of Acting Professionally

Not Doing It Alone

Summary 10. The Human Capital Side of Doubling Student Performance

Overview

First, Recruit Top Talent

Second, Develop Top Talent

Sometimes Initial Talent Turnover Is Required

Summary 11. Putting It All Together: The Dramatically Improving School

The 10 Core Elements of the Improving School

Summary

The Kennewick Approach to Dramatic Improvement References