Since 1991, Dr. Willard R. (Bill) Daggett and the International Center for Leadership in Education have partnered with thousands of schools and school districts on sustainable whole school reform. Lessons learned from successful schools show that effective and sustained school improvement begins with creating a shared vision of the need for change; progresses to forming a consensus vision of learning and learners based on rigor, relevance, and relationships; and continues with translating beliefs about education into broad-based, but focused and measurable goals and actions. The Learning Criteria to Support 21st Century Learners has proven to be a valuable tool and guideline in translating beliefs and vision into actions through setting goals and measuring benchmarks. Data-driven decision making, effective leadership, clear learning expectations, and effective instruction have all been identified as critical factors to be examined. Additionally, it is apparent that structures and programs in effective schools are driven by instructional needs, including systems to monitor and support student progress, and that, because all improvement plans must adapt to changes and needs, goals and processes must be adjusted over time.

The learnings and data that have been systematically collected and analyzed from studies of successful schools by the International Center have allowed us to develop an approach to achieving school excellence based on eight specific, but interconnected, components:

• Embrace a Common Vision and Goals – Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships for ALL Students
• Inform Decisions Through Data Systems
• Empower Leadership Teams to Take Action and Innovate
• Clarify Student Learning Expectations
• Adopt Effective Instructional Practices
• Address Organizational Structures
• Monitor Student Progress/Improve Support Systems
• Refine Process on an Ongoing Basis

We welcome an opportunity to discuss your school improvement needs. Please contact us at 518-399-2776 or Todd@LeaderEd.com