For example, a whole-school reform effort can and usually does improve communication among the faculty and school administrators. It may also increase parental involvement with school activities. These are certainly desired outcomes. However, the ultimate outcome we are looking for is improved student performance in academic subject areas, attitudes, and behavior. These outcomes will therefore be considered as impact.
Outcomes can occur at many levels.
At the system level, the intervention may have changed the way the school allocates resources and time for instruction. It may have affected its policy on professional development. At the teacher level, instructional strategies may have changed as a result of the intervention. Assessment practices may have been affected. At the student level, performance may have changed or improved on various measures.