Determine the impact of the need for principals to act as quasi-politicians in order to be promoted. Consider criteria beyond improvement of test scores when hiring principals in designing effective schools. Establish system-wide standards and accountability. Create ways to attract, develop, and support well-qualified teachers. Contract for evaluation through an agency outside the professional development contractors currently serving the district.
Integrated governance allows for a sharper focus on schools with the greatest academic needs.
Garner state financial resources and support. Address counterdemands from other schools in the system concerning the policy of redistributing resources to assist failing schools. Develop a teacher recruitment program that will seek out high level, technically proficient personnel. Train teachers in how to use student assessment information as a basis for the design of lesson plans and instruction. Enhance teachers ability to choose, create, and evaluate curriculum and to take advantage of professional development opportunities, especially those that develop teachers competence in a particular subject area.