This report studied teacher perceptions of working conditions as influenced by principals to see how it effects retention. Based on four areas of working conditions (teacher time use, physical environment, teacher empowerment/school leadership, professional development), the study found that principles enacting positive working condition policies can play a role in whether teachers remain in their schools.
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Tag Archives: case studies
Success Through Transformation
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This case study sheds light on how one struggling school that was labeled a failing school became on of the best performing schools in Massachusetts. Teachers, union leaders, community members, administrators, and parents worked together to change the length of the school day to meet student needs.
Transforming Schools through Expanded Learning Time
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This case study highlights the changes made to turnaround a low performing elementary school in a high poverty area. The 3 main changes: extended learning time for students, additional planning time for teachers, and professional development that focused on collaboration.
Time for Teachers
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This report/case study explores six specific practices that highly effective schools utilize. Practices explored in this report include: collaborative planning, embedded professional development, summer trainings, data analysis, coaching, and peer observation.
Effective Staff Development
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This resource includes links exploring 21st century professional development models, effective development, financing development, coaching and mentoring, and content expertise.
Parents: A Vital Part of the School Community
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Tasco, A., Anstett, N. & Sererin, S. (2011). Parents: A Vital Part of the School Community. ASCD.
This webinar discusses strategies to utilize parents as a vital part of a thriving school community. The process is outlined step-by-step to make parents feel part of the education team.
Parent Involvement in Schools
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Education World. Parent Involvement in Schools. Education World.
This resource lists practical ways in which schools are involving parents. Strategies for parental involvement that have been implemented with success by school administrators are shared: these include community brown bag lunches, community tutoring, and open house ideas.
Professional Learning Communities
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The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement. (2009). Professional Learning Communities. The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement. The authors of this guide explain the essential characteristics of an effective professional learning community (PLC). Strategies are provided to assess the impact of collaboration on student achievement, and necessary supports are outlined.
Learning Communities Share Resources, Strategies
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Education World (2010). Learning Communities Share Resources, Strategies. Education World.
The authors of this article provide examples of and explain how teachers can develop common goals and assessments and share best practices.
Transforming Schools through Expanded Learning Time: Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School
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For years, Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School was plagued by low student achievement and high staff turnover. Then, in 2010, with an expanded school schedule made possible with federal funding, Orchard Gardens began a remarkable turnaround. Today, the school is demonstrating how increased learning time, combined with other key turnaround strategies, can dramatically improve the performance of even the nation’s most troubled schools. This case study, the first in a new series, takes you inside the transformation of Orchard Gardens.