I ncreased student achievement is the core of effective schoolwide reform. Continual program evaluation, assessment of student data, and staff adaptability also facilitate long-term improvement. The school reports a substantial increase in test scores and improvement in prekindergarten and kindergarten school readiness. Student attendance has also improved dramatically. Teachers are energetic and optimistic, and they point to effective, positive leadership as the reason for high staff morale and low turnover.
Most additional work occurs during the initial planning and implementation stage.
Once the SWP is in place, with consensus and commitment of parents and staff, the work involved will be more meaningful and have more long-term benefits. SWPs align education goals on federal, state, and local levels. SWPs are not another add-on service. They are a different approach to coordinating instruction to meet the needs of all children. Continuous monitoring of student achievement and consistent evaluation of program strategies are the key to the success of SWPs.