It is based on the premise that all students can learn to high standards, provided they have ample time, quality instruction, and support. Principals focus on developing their roles as instructional leaders whose most important task is to support and develop expert teaching in each classroom. Ongoing assessment of student work and student data directs what needs to be taught so that all students can reach high standards. Experts in literacy instruction provide ongoing, on-site training to teachers that enables them to improve their teaching of reading and writing. Parent and community partnerships focus on improving student achievement in reading and writing.
Schools move from projects and programs to school-wide improvement in teaching and learning.
Instructional issues, rather than management issues, direct school reform. The Fund for Educational Excellence is partnering with the Baltimore City Public School System in the implementation of Achievement First, a whole-school change design that focuses on improving student achievement. First is a research-based initiative that is modeled after successful reform efforts in New York City's Community District Two. It is designed to support teachers and administrators in becoming more effective in the delivery of teaching and learning for all students, and directly supports the state and school system's reform agenda. First is a standards-based reform effort, meaning that all children can learn to high standards, provided they have ample time and quality instruction and support to meet those standards.