The ten steps showcased within this presentation have proven to be effective at multiple schools. This clear outline of ways that you can make your site a higher achieving school includes straightforward, realistic methods that yield greater results. Students, teachers, and administrators will benefits from the steps outlined in this creative presentation. Presenters include a Director of Middle Grades Education and a school principal.

1. Seven Steps to a
Higher-Achieving School
Dr. James Davis,
Principal / China Grove Middle School
davisjv@rss.k12.nc.us
Tina Mashburn,
Director of Middle Grades Education
mashburnts@rss.k12.nc.us

2. Love Kids, Support Teachers, Pass It On…

3. Begin with the END in MIND…
 AYP Status / Growth Status
 Performance Composite
 Teacher’s Working Conditions Survey
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

4. Begin with the END in MIND…
 AYP Status / Growth Status
2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 2008- 2009-
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
AYP Not Not Not Not Met Met
Status Met Met Met Met

5. Begin with the END in MIND…
 Performance Composite
Quick Hits…
 In two years: 61.4→75.4 (overall)
 In two years: 54.4→77.1 (science)
 In one year: 38.0→62.9 (reading)
 In one year: 60.2→75.9 (math)

6. Begin with the END in MIND…
 Teacher’s Working Conditions Survey (sample)
CGMS NC
Shared vision… 95.9 83.0
Atmosphere of trust / respect… 93.9 72.7
Effective leadership… 98.0 82.7
Recognized for accomplishments… 100.0 84.7
Teachers have appropriate influence… 95.8 67.7
Managing students… 98.0 79.4
Professional development (effective)… 91.8 76.0
Time to work with colleagues… 92.0 79.1
Training with technology… 92.0 74.5

7. Step One:
Data to Drive Discussions
 Formative Assessments
 Discipline
 EOG Scores
 TWC Survey
 Attendance
 Parent Surveys
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

8. Step One:
Data to Drive Discussions
 http://www.surveymonkey.com
 What information would you like to be able to access
at home, via our website (schedules, assignments,
etc.)?
 Explain several updates (instructionally or
physically) that you would like to see happen on the
CGMS campus?
 Identify several ways that you would like to be
involved at CGMS (examples: online book talks,
tutoring, etc.).

9. Step Two:
Utilize Student Surveys
 Survey Monkey
 Survey Content
…Explain 2 things that make class fun and engaging for
you as a student.
…Identify 1-2 things that you would like changed at CGMS.
…Outline 1-2 service projects that you would be interested in
completing.
 Student Leadership Group
 What did the student surveys lead to?
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

10. Step Three:
Expect the Effective use of
Instructional Technology
 Technology in Classrooms
 21st Century Classrooms
 Professional Learning Communities
 Blogs
 Online Staff Development
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

11. Step Four:
Incorporate the Voice of Teachers
 Staff Development
 Time
 Topic
 Format
 Presenters
 Professional Learning Communities
 TWC Survey (100% participation)
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

12. Step Five:
Focus on Human Resources
Human Resources: The Department
…Partnership
…Courageous Conversations
Human Resources: The Instruction
…Curriculum Specialists
…1:1 Staff development
…Individual Plans
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

13. Step Five:
Focus on Human Resources
 Individual Plans: “More Than Math”
I. Guiding Principles II. Necessary Components
We will support you… Creation of goals…
We will do what is best for kids… Lesson plans…
We will provide you with Increased observations…
resources… Increased student assessments…
We will be involved… One video reflection…
III. Optional Components IV. Expected Outcomes
Partner / Mentor… Strengthen instruction…
Book study… Improve daily quality of instruction…
Journal… Student Growth…
Curriculum Specialist…. Additional support…

14. Step Six:
Think Outside of the Box
 Invest in a Child Fundraiser
 Online Open House
 Facebook
 Texting
 Summer Administrative Retreats
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

15. Step Seven:
Focus on Relationships
RED Time
…Relationships, Education, Diversity
Staff Notes
…Acknowledgements & Information
…Instructional Tips & Master Calendar
 AP Support
 Encouraging the Heart
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

16. The Bottom Line…
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School

17. Closure
 Questions
 Comments
 Clarification
Seven Steps to a Higher-Achieving School