Schools on the Move: A Study of Schools Achieving Success in Challenging Circumstances

• In Event: Understanding School Improvement in Chaotic Conditions

Abstract

A mixed methods strategy was used to explore the factors that have contributed to success among Schools on the Move (elementary schools in Ontario with at least three years of improvement in reading, writing and mathematics). Case studies identified these factors as having contributed to student success:

•Working collaboratively;
•Adopting consistent but flexible practices;
•The beliefs and expectations of teachers and administrators;
•Meaningful professional development;
•Using data to monitor student progress;
•Focussing on literacy and numeracy;
•Leadership and support from the school administration.

A survey of 32 Schools on the Move highlighted four additional items:

•A commonly supported code of behavior;
•Teachers feel responsible for student learning;
•Teachers believe that all students can succeed;
•Explicit teaching of literacy skills.

Authors

• Tracy Lavin, Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group, LLP

• Isabelle Eaton, Simon Fraser University

• Ruth Baumann, Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group

• Terri Thompson, Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group, LLP 

• Oksana Bartosh, Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group

• Antonia Andonova, Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group, LLP 

• Charles S. Ungerleider, Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group