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Before deciding to work with Turning Points, schools
should consult tools that assist them in selecting an externally
developed reform model. One example of such a tool is Making
Good Choices, by North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.
The appendices offer guiding checklists for and approaches to
the selection of a model.
Turning Points suggests that any school considering
working with Turning Points engages in a thoughtful process that
includes the entire school community. We recommend the following
process:
- Create an "Exploring Team."
- This team should be a representative body, ensuring that
all faculty voices are included in the process.
- Assess the school's strengths and challenges, using the Turning
Points Benchmarks.
- Decide what the school hopes to accomplish by adopting
a reform model.
- Become familiar with the Turning Points design.
- Read Turning Points 2000 by Anthony W. Jackson and
Gayle A. Davis (available from Teachers College Press). This
book can be read independently by faculty members, or it can
be read as a "jigsaw" in which the faculty is divided
into small groups, with each group reading a different chapter
and reporting back to the entire faculty.
- Invite a Turning Points staff member to deliver a presentation
to the whole faculty, ensuring sufficient question and answer
time.
- Learn about Turning Points' products and services, expectations
and roadmap of implementation.
- Engage in discussion about:
- the meaning of comprehensive school reform,
- the necessity of ensuring equity in education,
- the importance of authentic assessment of students,
- the role of standardized tests in the curriculum,
- the need to set high standards for all students,
- the necessity of involving parents and the community
in the work of the school,
- the critical role data-gathering plays in informing
school decisions,
- the value of ongoing professional development for all
staff members,
- and the central role of the district in supporting school
reform measures.
- Visit Turning Points schools, taking time to talk to teachers
and administrators, observe the leadership team in action
and attend team meetings.
- Assess whether the Turning Points model meets the school's
challenges.
- Conduct a staff vote. This full faculty vote needs to garner
an 80% majority in order for Turning Points to work with the school.
- Write a proposal for funding, with assistance from Turning
Points staff.
- Sign a contract between the school and Turning Points!
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