And business and computer students learn how to develop spreadsheets to analyze costs and project prices. The idea of promoting and teaching quality was not something the administration and faculty of MEHS originally set out to do. David Langford, a teacher at MEHS, knew about quality techniques and thought they could be applied at the school. An opportunity to test his theory came when students asked for continuous progress reports so they could monitor their progress. Today the students chart their own grades and set their own goals to avoid disappointment or surprise at the end of the year.
Teachers also examine their own grading systems and error rates.
Changes at the high school have led to improved grades, reduced tardiness, better communication, and increased self-esteem. Examples of the changes and results brought about by CIP are shown in Figure 1. CIP Changes Students initiated a study sampling how others did their homework. They recorded how much time their classmates were actually doing homework and how much time they spent being distracted and wasting time. By studying their classmates, students became more attuned to their own work habits, and grades improved.