Learning Objectives
- Assist participants in re-thinking their understanding of how schools actually improve
- Introduce the Classroom-Focused Improvement Process (CFIP), a collaborative, data-driven protocol for improving teaching and learning at the classroom level
- Present a case study of how a principal created the culture and put CFIP in place to dramatically turn around a failing middle school
- To introduce a Data Coach training process for training school teams to implement the CFIP model throughout their own schools
Workshop Outcomes
Participants will:
- Develop a clear understanding of the difference between data for accountability and data for improvement, and the implications of this difference for the school improvement process
- Interact with an experienced and highly successful principal about the realities and challenges of turning around a demoralized and data-averse faculty in a failing school through the CFIP process
- Be introduced to the Data Coach training process as a means of developing their school as a data-driven, high-functioning learning community
Session Description
As schools across the country have become more data driven and accountability oriented, many have struggled to make the school improvement plan (SIP) more effective in driving teaching and learning to higher levels, frequently with disappointing results. This session will present a model that differentiates between improving the school's performance as a whole, which is the primary focus of the SIP, and improving teaching and learning at the classroom level, which is the primary focus of the grade-level or department-level team. An interactive case study will be presented describing the impact of CFIP in overcoming the challenges of turning around a failing middle school. The session will also provide an introduction to the Data Coach training process that prepares instructional leadership teams to develop their entire faculty as high-performing, data-driven learning communities.
The Classroom-Focused Improvement Process (CFIP) is a six-step, collaborative, data-driven process for increasing student achievement that is planned and carried out by teachers working as grade-level or departmental teams as part of their regular instructional planning cycle.
The CFIP model:
- Uses real-time, current data
- Incorporates both collaborative and individual components
- Is specific to each course or grade level
- Addresses each individual student's needs
- Results in instructional improvements that can be implemented immediately
- Provides interventions that can be re-directed frequently if they are not working
- Enables teachers to connect with their data so that they see data analysis as a worthwhile use of their time
Target Audience: District Administrators; Instructional Leaders at all levels
Workshop Agenda
Wednesday afternoon: Re-thinking how school improve: The Classroom-Focused Improvement process - Mike Hickey and Maureen Montgomery
Thursday morning: The Spring Ridge Case Study: Using Data and Collaboration to Drive Student Achievement - Mike Hickey and Maureen Montgomery
Thursday afternoon: Putting CFIP in Place: The Data Coach Process - Mike Hickey and Maureen Montgomery
