In looking at ways in which schools can improve student performance, research has been done with schools that have not had a significant number of students achieving state and federal standards.  Over the next three editions of Otter Mail I will share information about what schools have done to improve school and student performance. Research conducted at the Center for Performance Assessment has been particularly helpful to schools and school districts.

First and most importantly, successful schools had a laser-like focus on student achievement. The most casual observer could not walk down a hallway without seeing charts, graphs, and tables that displayed student achievement information, as well as data about the continuous improvement students had made. The data were on display not only in principals' offices, but also throughout the schools. Schools made it clear that academic performance was highly prized. The focus on achievement in these schools included a particular emphasis on improvement. The consistent message of charts showing weekly improvement from the fall, through the spring was, "It's not how you start here that matters, but how you, finish."

This week Einstein Elementary began a process to begin to look, in depth, at our own school and student data.  This is the first step in a planning process that you will be hearing a lot more about.

In the next newsletter, I will share a few thoughts on the impact of time on the performance of schools and students.