Chapter 4: Schoolwide Success Factors

Poverty creates negative changes in the brain which leads to low classroom performance. With the right strategies, we can improve cognitive capacity and sometimes even improve IQ. High achieving schools may SHARE!

Support the Whole Child (S)
Until schools find ways to address the social, emotional and health related challenges of our students, academic excellence is an unlikely goal. For example, students cannot function academically when they need food, shelter, medical care and do not feel safe. Could something as simple as offering them a snack take away the hunger distraction? If they are worrying about where they will live next week, is school really important to them today?


Hard Data (H)
When creating data reports, not only should we set up data bases and hold regular meetings, but gather data to answer 3 core questions.

1) How are we doing, generally and specifically?
2) To what degree are we serving the needs of all students?
3) What are we good at, and where do we need help?

Collecting Data:
1) Develop criteria for the data you need.
2) Gather only the data that you need. (Do not overwhelm the staff with tables of information, but present it in a clear visual form.)
3) Develop and apply the data.
*Find areas of lowest performance.
*Work with staff to find better ways of teaching skills
* Create a specific plan

Accountability (A)
Increase teacher control and authority:
(budget, personell, staff development, and decision making)
Redesign staffing roles: Provide teacher support services and common planning.

Relationship building (R)
Student/Peers
Staff/Staff
Caregivers with their children
Teacher/Students

Children in poverty may feel embarrassed, bullied or picked on. They may feel ignored and act out for attention with negative behaviors. Try not to take these behaviors personally. Studies show students are less likely to drop out of school if they feel a positive bond with teachers and others at school. Maintaining a positive relationship with students not only helps improve self-esteem, but helps them feel accepted for who they are. They perceive themselves as better students and improve academically. Find ways to find out how your students feel about themselves, possibly develop a survey.

Enrichment mind set: (E)
Enrichment, not remediation. Foster curiosity, social bonding and get them engaged!
Create a strong environmental message: (scenery, fresh air, etc.)
Encourage healthy eating (inform parents about quality foods, not quantity)

Mistakes high-performing schools never make.......
1) Overdoing pep-talks
2) Planning endlessly-don't over do it!
3) Putting staff last:
(compliment, be positive, listen, brainstorm ideas together)
4) Create a climate of fear:
(let them step outside the box, cut teachers slack, when needed, celebrate)
5) Measure improvement solely through test scores. (No!No!)
(morale and vibes of students and staff matter)
6) Treat symptoms, not causes:
Ex: A reading program may help the symptoms, but making more books available for students to take home may help the causes.
7) Count on Big Wins Quickly:
(Make small changes within reasonable time frames)