We+Know+What+Works

When it comes to OVERALL school improvement - you can call it REFORM, you can call it REVOLUTION, you can call it a CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS, you can call it A SYSTEMS APPROACH...it doesn't really matter. Regardless of how it's referred to, nearly ALL the research has converged to a point that can be summarized in SIX COMMON THREADS. Of particular note to the purpose of this site, points 1, 2, 3, and 5 are critical attributes of the Lesson Planning Process.


 * 1) **__Clarity and communication of learning outcomes__ - is the essential content and expectations of learning being clearly identified and communicated? Are the expectations modeled for the audience?;**
 * 2) **__Effective instructional programming and strategies__ - is instruction differentiated and based on research-based instructional strategies? [eg Marzano, Schlechty];**
 * 3) **__Effective monitoring and feedback__ - data collection and use is essential, and monitoring with constructive feedback is recurrent throughout the research;**
 * 4) **__Effective professional development__ - needs to include active learning and remain focused on best practices;**
 * 5) **__Time for collaboration among staff__ - __structured__ time for collaboration among staff at least three times a week which is focused on student achievement, sharing strategies, and solving common problems****; and**
 * 6) **__Parent and Community Involvement__ - needs to occur on three levels: communication, participation, and governance.**