Embracing Systemic Reform
The paper makes the case that raising achievement for all students requires systemic change and studies urban school districts to offer suggestions for educators and policymakers.
The paper argues that recent federal Race to the Top initiatives reveal piecemeal reforms such as pay for performance, tenure, school restructuring and other stand-alone solutions. The paper suggests that these stand-alone solutions do not contribute to comprehensive reform, nor do they support a seamless K-12 education. Citing examples from award-winning school districts in Texas, Massachusetts, California and Virginia, the paper urges policymakers and educators to set clear curriculum goals, use data to monitor student progress and anticipate student support, and create structured interventions for struggling students and teachers.
