Nine Characteristics of High Peforming Schools

A national, research-based model for effective school improvement has been adopted by Central Valley School District. Customized to meet the needs of students, the Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools is a road map for district-wide enhancements focused on learning and teaching for three school years, 2004 - 2007.

“Every school and every employee in the Central Valley School District has made a commitment to our primary focus – learning and teaching,” explained Mike Pearson, superintendent.

“Over the next 36 months, we are embracing the nine characteristics and adjusting as we go. We are providing a supportive learning environment for our students and staff so that if we fall, we’ll fall forward.”

The Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools are designed to support educational reform driven by the Washington State Education Reform Act (1993) and the national No Child Left Behind Act (2002). Central Valley School District has introduced several initiatives to support the nine characteristics including the Curriculum Frameworks project, the online Student Information System and professional learning communities for teachers, principals and administrators. 

Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools

1. A Clear and Shared Focus -- Our primary focus is learning and teaching. Continuous measurement of student achievement will provide data used to guide learning and teaching decisions focused on the whole child. 
2. High Standards and Expectations for All Students – We will use consistent standards as a foundation for learning and teaching. Standards include Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) and content standards set by Central Valley School District. Staff, students and parents will use the GLEs in reading, writing and math to identify, discuss and evaluate student achievement across all curriculum areas.
3. Effective School Leadership – We will continue to develop effective instructional leaders. Leadership teams of principals and district administrators will share an active role in the discussion and implementation of focused instruction around the EALRs, GLEs and content standards. Opportunities for interested teachers to assume instructional leadership roles will be provided.
4. High Levels of Collaboration and Communication – Our elementary, middle and high schools will strengthen collaboration and communication using a common language and vocabulary. Teachers and principals will collaborate on teaching strategies, content and measurement (assessment) of student achievement within and across all grade levels. 
5. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments Aligned with State Standards – We will be sure our content, teaching strategies and measurement of student achievement line up with state and national standards, to support our primary focus on learning and teaching. Student achievement will be measured using common tools and data, such as the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). 
6. Frequent Monitoring of Learning and Teaching – We will continually monitor the implementation of research-based best practices and measurement (assessment) in our schools. Administrators will share best practices, principals will perform frequent classroom walk-throughs, and teachers will analyze data to improve student learning.  
7. Focused Professional Development – Our district will encourage and support professional learning communities for teachers, principals and administrators. Research-based best practices are directing professional development efforts to support the district-wide focus on learning and teaching.  
8. A Supportive Learning Environment – We will provide, promote and nurture a supportive learning environment that enhances our focus of learning and teaching. Teachers are given collaboration time. Employees, students and parents are offered a forum to provide feedback. And, our staff are recognized for their successes and supported for their efforts.
9. High Levels of Family and Community Involvement – We will maintain and nurture ongoing family and community participation in our schools and school district. Communication remains a top priority between and among staff, students, parents and community members.   

Click here for a complete description of the Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools, including the indicators (objectives) set by Central Valley School District to measure the progress of each characteristic.