Hidden Expert Knowledge: The Knowledge That Counts for the Small School-District Superintendent

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 154-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne E. Hyle ◽  
Gary Ivory ◽  
Rhonda L. McClellan
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Small School ◽  
Small School District ◽  
District Superintendent

Introducing a Computer-Adaptive Testing System to a Small School District

2011 ◽  
pp. 143-156
Author(s):  
Tim Pelton ◽  
Leslee Francis Pelton
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Measures Of Academic Progress ◽  
Small School ◽  
Northwest Evaluation Association ◽  
Computer Adaptive Test ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Small School District ◽  
New Type

A computer-adaptive test (CAT) is a relatively new type of technology in which a computer program “intelligently” selects and presents questions to examinees according to an evolving estimate of achievement and a prescribed test plan. A well written CAT can be expected to efficiently produce student achievement estimates that are more accurate and more meaningful than a typical teacher-generated paper and pencil (P&P) test with a similar number of questions. Although this method of testing sounds good in theory, many schools and districts are waiting for positive examples of practical applications and observable benefits before adopting a CAT. This chapter begins by describing the essential elements of meaningful measurement in education and the features of a typical CAT. Next, we describe the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) system of the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA; 2004) and observations made during the introduction of this system into a small semirural school district. Finally, as independent observers, we provide a set of recommendations to help guide other districts as they consider the potentials of implementing a CAT system to guide instruction within their schools.

8. Intentional transformation in a small school district: the Turner School Initiative

1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 115-126
Author(s):  
William B. Thomas ◽  
Kevin J. Moran ◽  
Jeremy Resnick
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
Small School ◽  
Small School District

Introducing a Computer-Adaptive Testing System to a Small School District

2011 ◽  
pp. 2333-2343
Author(s):  
Timothy Pelton ◽  
Leslee Francis Pelton
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Measures Of Academic Progress ◽  
Small School ◽  
Northwest Evaluation Association ◽  
Computer Adaptive Test ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Small School District ◽  
New Type

A computer-adaptive test (CAT) is a relatively new type of technology in which a computer program “intelligently” selects and presents questions to examinees according to an evolving estimate of achievement and a prescribed test plan. A well written CAT can be expected to efficiently produce student achievement estimates that are more accurate and more meaningful than a typical teacher-generated paper and pencil (P&P) test with a similar number of questions. Although this method of testing sounds good in theory, many schools and districts are waiting for positive examples of practical applications and observable benefits before adopting a CAT. This chapter begins by describing the essential elements of meaningful measurement in education and the features of a typical CAT. Next, we describe the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) system of the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA; 2004) and observations made during the introduction of this system into a small semirural school district. Finally, as independent observers, we provide a set of recommendations to help guide other districts as they consider the potentials of implementing a CAT system to guide instruction within their schools.

Leadership Challenges During a Period of Change: Unpacking a District’s Efforts to Diversify Its Teacher Workforce

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Lisa Maria Grillo ◽  
Pascal P. Barreau
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Leadership Preparation ◽  
Small School ◽  
School Board Members ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Small School District ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
Teacher Workforce

A superintendent initiates an equity focus in a small school district and experiences resistance from both school board members and principals. As the school district diversifies its teaching workforce, the superintendent and principals face myriad unexpected challenges, resulting in teachers of color resigning at three times the rate of White teachers. This case study (a) is designed for students in both school- and district-level preparation programs, (b) directly connects to National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, and (c) encourages students to consider the multifaceted leadership challenges involved in talent management and large-scale change through several lenses.

The Long Island play revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (8) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Author(s):  
Pasi Sahlberg ◽  
William Doyle
Keyword(s):  
School District ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Long Island ◽  
Student Attendance ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
Disciplinary Problems ◽  
District Superintendent ◽  
School Day ◽  
Recess Period ◽  
Unstructured Play

This excerpt from Let the Children Play by Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle (Oxford University Press, 2019) describes how a Long Island school district began giving children more time for unstructured play during the school day by doubling the recess period, extending lunch, launching optional play clubs, and creating spaces for unstructured activity. At the same time, the district superintendent de-emphasized test scores and discouraged homework. Students began coming to class better prepared for learning, disciplinary problems went down, and student attendance went up.

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