
Standard one : establish a well-crafted, focused, valid, and clear curriculum to direct teaching
Embed external assessment target objectives in the written content standards and link to state standards
Have clear and precise district curriculum objectives : content, context, and cognitive type
Deeply align objectives from external assessments
Sequence objectives for mastery well before they are tested
Provide a feasible number of objectives to be taught
Identify specific objectives as benchmark standards
Place objectives in a teaching sequence
Provide access to written curriculum documents and direct the objectives to be taught
Conduct staff development in curriculum and its delivery
Standard two : provide assessments aligned to the curriculum
Develop aligned district pre-post criterion-referenced assessments
Have a pool of unsecured test items by objective
Establish secured performance benchmark assessments
Conduct assessment training
Use assessments diagnostically
Teach students to be "test wise"
Establish a reasonable testing schedule and environment
Disaggregate assessment data
Maintain student progress reports
Standard three : align program and instructional resources to the curriculum and provide student equality and equity
Align programs with the curriculum to ensure congruity
Use research and data that document results to drive program selection, and validate the implementation of programs with action research
Evaluate programs to determine their effectiveness in strengthening student achievement of curriculum objectives
Align textbooks and instructional resources with the district curriculum objectives and assessments in both content and context dimensions
Use technology in design or selection procedures to ensure strong connections to system learning expectations and feedback
Provide training in the use of instructional resources and their alignment with system curriculum objectives : content, context, and cognitive type
Select or modify instructional resources for lessons to ensure full alignment with system objectives and tested learning
Place students in programs and activities in an equitable manner and with equal access to the curriculum
Implement effective programs and strategies with English language learners
Standard four : use a mastery learning approach and effective teaching strategies
Implement a mastery learning model
Align teaching with the curriculum
Provide differentiated curriculum and instruction as well as differentiated time to learn
Provide practice to master the curriculum
Use effective instructional practices
Use powerful vocabulary development strategies
Establish individual learning plans for low-achieving students
Standard five : establish curriculum expectations, monitoring, and accountability
Provide for high expectations for achievement for each student
Monitor the curriculum
Visit classrooms and provide follow-up
Use disaggregated data in the decision-making process
Focus staff appraisal on professional growth
Standard six : institute effective district and school planning, staff development, and resource allocation, and provide a quality learning environment
Develop a district planning process that is strategic in nature and provides guidance for the development of district and school long-range plans
Create and implement a singular, focused, multiyear district plan that incorporates change strategies for higher student achievement
Align school plans with the district plan
Implement aligned teacher training to reach district and school goals
Implement administrative training aligned with the curriculum and its assessment and district plan priorities
Provide differentiated staff development
Link resource allocations to goals, objectives, priorities, and diagnosed needs of the system
Provide qualified and adequate personnel
Remove incompetent staff or help them achieve satisfactory functioning
Provide a quality learning environment
Provide quality facilities.
50 ways to close the achievement gap. ISBN 9781412977449. Published by Corwin in 2009. Publication and catalogue information, links to buy online and reader comments.