Our approach to improvement describes the method the Edison School District will use to achieve a substantial increase in student achievement.

Improving student performance is difficult and requires everyone in the district and community to focus relentlessly, over time on improvement. Fundamental to achieving breakthroughs results in student achievement is a commitment to teamwork, openness to new strategies and the participation of all staff in the effort.

Our approach to improvement requires everyone to focus on the implementation of eight specific, interdependent strategies. These eight strategies reflect the best thinking of staff and incorporate research from districts were dramatic improvement in student performance has been achieved. Each strategy aligns to support the improvement of the classroom experience and to bring consistency and quality to the instructional program districtwide.

However, this approach can only be successful if the eight strategies are implemented in an environment of high expectations. Our district culture must reflect challenge for each and every child as well as high standards of service and performance for adults. leadership for the implementation of the eight strategies must come from all levels. Strong board and district leadership is required to set the expectations, but leadership must also come from the school community; principals, teachers, staff and parents to identify the specific approaches that will result in the deep, sustainable level of implementation that will make a difference.

Finally, the key to success is the grounding of this reform effort in a culture of continuous improvement characterized by frequent and regular assessment of progress and where the information from these assessments is used to build on strengths and target areas for improvement. Everyone must be willing to examine data openly to improve their own practice in order to improve student performance.

A persistent and consistent focus on implementing our approach to improvement will result in achieving student performance goals.

The purpose of the Edison School District is to provide our students with engaging and meaningful instructional activities to positively affect their lives.