1. "Excellence does not just happen, it is a decision you make every day."

2. Research shows that the most effective schools are more alike than they are different. In fact, there are fundamental characteristics so common among successful schools that they have come to be known as the Correlates of Effective Schools.

3. Search for Effective Schools - Edmonds (’81) The Foundation of Educational Effectiveness - Scheerens and Baker (’97) Key High School Reform Strategies; An Overview of the Findings - USDE (’99) High Poverty – High Success: Schools That Defy the Odds - Quick & Quick (’01) Definition of Effective Schools, Targeted Literature Review of Major Constructs and Their Components - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (’02) Effective Schools – Only You Can Make a Difference - Lezotte (’02) What Works in Schools - Marzano (’03) Research – Meta Analysis

4. Components of Successful School Reform 1.Create a culture that embraces a rigorous and relevant curriculum 2.Set high expectations that are monitored for student’s continuous improvement 3.Use data to provide clear unwavering focus 4.Provide students real-world applications 5.Create multiple pathways to rigor and relevance

5. Components of Successful School Reform 6. Create a framework to organize curriculum that drives instruction 7.Sustained professional development that is focused 8.Obtain and leverage parent and community involvement 9.Maintain safe and orderly schools 10.Offer effective leadership development

6. Characteristics 1.Small Learning Communities 2. High Expectations 4. Curriculum—Rigor & Relevant 3. Data 5. Relationships / Reflective Thought 6. Professional Development 7. Leadership

7. The Learning Organization The term 'Learning Organization' refers to an organization that constantly monitors its environment for changes, and learns from and adapts to these changes. The term was coined by Harvard's Chris Argyris, but it was Peter Senge, a highly acclaimed business strategist with a PhD in Management, who popularized the term in his book, "The Fifth Discipline." Senge defines a 'learning organization' as a dynamic system that is in a state of continuous adaptation and improvement.

8. Benefits of school improvement planning include: Creates a collaborative, continuous improvement culture to ensure that all student are achieving at high levels. Encourages innovation through research-based practices Focuses and aligns staff development resources Increase public participation in planning Provides data to support and document growth (Adapted from Macomb ISD)

9. School Improvement Planning Resources Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Tools for Continuous Improvement – http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140- 28753_38959-137869--,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140- 28753_38959-137869--,00.html MDE Online Planning Resources http://www.advanc-ed.org/mde/http://www.advanc-ed.org/mde/ National Education Organizations Annenberg Institute for School Reform Tools - http://www.annenberginstitute.org/tools/http://www.annenberginstitute.org/tools/ Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) - http://www.ascd.org/http://www.ascd.org/ Michigan North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement - http://www.NCAmichigan.orghttp://www.NCAmichigan.org National Staff Development Council - http://www.nsdc.orghttp://www.nsdc.org Regional Educational Laboratories - http://www.relnetwork.org/http://www.relnetwork.org/ Through improvement planning, that every student receives an equitable and personalized education.

11. A Systems Thinking View of Schools Timothy R. Lucas and Associates The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook Project - Schools That Learn LucasRPS@aol.comLucasRPS@aol.com 201-236-8696

14. Everyone needs support when they take new risks when they take new risks

15. Look into the future through the eyes of a child?

16. Personalizing Learning Mass Customized Learning For Each Learner