Philip B. Warrick

How do educators build High Reliability Schools (HRS) and boost academic achievement? By implementing interdependent systems of operation and performance assessment for student-centered learning. A critical commitment to becoming an HRS is the PLC at Work(TM) process of collaborative learning and teaching. This user-friendly teaching resource focuses on: (1) a safe and collaborative culture, (2) effective teaching in every classroom, (3) a guaranteed and viable curriculum, (4) standards-referenced reporting of student progress (standards-based grading), and (5) a competency-based system. Marzano, Warrick, Rains, and DuFour will help you: Increase school effectiveness through a focus on student-centered learning and the implementation of research-based leading indicators of operation. Monitor effective practices through the use of lagging indicators and quick data sources. Explore the three big ideas associated with the PLC at Work(TM) process to implement student-centered learning, collaborative teaching strategies, and data-driven instruction. Engage in periodic reflection on effective school leadership and instructional coaching practices. Understand how to balance and achieve school and district goals using data to improve students' academic achievement and college- and career-readiness skills. Contents: Foreword Introduction Chapter 1: High Reliability Organizations and School Leadership Chapter 2: Safe and Collaborative Culture Chapter 3: Effective Teaching in Every Classroom Chapter 4: Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum Chapter 5: Standards-Referenced Reporting Chapter 6: Competency-Based Education Chapter 7: District Leadership in High Reliability Schools Appendix References and Resources Index

Standards-based learning is a great step forward for schools, but it must be implemented correctly to ensure the best educational experience possible. In this comprehensive implementation guide, the authors outline a research-backed, five-phase plan for leading transition to a standards-based grading system. Use this book to take full advantage of academic standards and criterion-referenced forms of education: Develop a strong standards-based curriculum. Align instruction and reliable assessments to the standards. Change outdated grading and reporting practices to promote student learning and growth. Share knowledge with and seek feedback from teachers, students, families, and other stakeholders. Achieve a sustainable standards-based learning system that benefits all students in a school or district. Study implementation examples from real teachers, leaders, and schools. Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: Phase 1--Curriculum, Assessment, and Communication Chapter 2: Phase 2--Capacity Building Chapter 3: Phase 3--Implementation Chapter 4: Phase 4--Implementation Chapter 5: Phase 5--Monitoring Epilogue Appendix A: Additional Resources for Chapter 1 Appendix B: Additional Resources for Chapter 2 Appendix C: Additional Resources for Chapter 3 Appendix D: Additional Resources for Chapter 4 Appendix E: Additional Resources for Chapter 5