Six factors of successful school improvement: blueprint for reform or process for continual school improvement?

The last two decades have brought considerable attention to schoolwide improvements intended to raise student achievement-particularly in the area of literacy. In response to the emphasis on improved student achievement, many promising programs for school improvement have emerged. These programs, often centered around particular curriculum or teaching practices, cannot effectively address the issue without approaching the school culture as a whole. It is common for such programs to put forth a blueprint for school improvement, often viewing the changes as a set of procedures that, if followed, will automatically lead to increased student achievement. However, if school improvement is to be effective and have a lasting impact, it must be approached as a process rather than a blueprint. School improvement is a continual process and requires changes in the culture of the school.