Francis Scott Key Elementary in Philadelphia adapted Johns Hopkins University's Success for All program to offer a rich array of whole language approaches to teaching. These schools used innovative approaches to improving instruction and learning in their programs. Successful schoolwide projects use a variety of assessment tools to focus on students' progress. Teachers also monitor students' reading, and their capacity to demonstrate in writing their understanding of the core content areas of math, science and social studies. The attention paid to academic progress, as well as to monitoring attendance and discipline, provides staff with a fuller picture of student progress.
Effective programs recognize that fundamental improvement takes time.
On Supporting Success State educational agency staff and school district staff can support the development and continued success of schoolwide projects through providing strong leadership and resources for planning, implementing, and evaluating the success of projects. They can identify and share successful approaches to team building and planning, staff development and technical assistance resources and encourage the formation of networks of schools using similar approaches. Some States have developed guidance on planning for a schoolwide project, with particular attention paid to conducting thorough needs assessments and identifying early on how districts will support schools in their efforts. States have also suggested types of instructional reforms schools may wish to undertake. Districts can assist schools in developing their schoolwide plans, deciding on components most essential to improving achievement in the school.