The study phase in the conversion process is a period of learning about the small schools approach. School, district and community members examine current practices and programs, identify achievement gaps, and learn about how small schools provide a structure that supports equitable and rigorous learning for all students in a personalized environment.
The outcomes of the study phase are to learn about and analyze small school strategies and models and understand how they contribute to increased student achievement. Ultimately this knowledge informs the decision to pursue the small schools approach.
The key tasks to accomplish these outcomes are:
- Identify individuals and groups to provide leadership
- Create internal and external communication systems
- Engage community in the small schools dialogue
- Build a shared understanding of small schools work
- Forge collective agreements to pursue school redesign work
- Seek resources and assistance for the conversion work
The key participants during the study phase are the principal, school Change Coordinator and the Leadership Team. During this first phase of the work the Change Coordinator works with the Leadership Team to learn about small schools and facilitate structured conversations with staff, parents, students and community members. The conversations solicit people’s opinions about the existing school and the job it’s doing to prepare young people for the future, and identify areas of the school’s culture, structure and achievement that need improvement. The Leadership Team, which includes the principal and Change Coordinator, sets direction for the conversion work and engages staff and key stakeholders. Ad hoc committees are formed as needed to research topics, summarize findings, and make recommendations.
For more detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the Principal, Change Coordinator, Leadership Team and ad hoc committees, see Converting a School.
|
