For whole-school reform to work well, researchers say, here’s what helps:
- The school makes a free, informed choice to select the design, based on a decision by its faculty, often through a secret ballot.
- Faculty members who do not support the design can “transfer with dignity.”
- The principal and other administrators provide strong leadership at the school site.
- The design is clear and specific, and the developers clearly explain how it’s supposed to work.
- Money and time are available for everyone in the school to participate in professional development, planning, and collaboration.
- The design team provides structured materials and long-term, targeted technical assistance.
- A designated person in the school is responsible for managing the reform process.
- The school participates in a network of like-minded schools and colleagues.
- The district has stable leadership that supports the design, has a culture of trust between schools and the central office, provides schools with some autonomy over budgets and hiring, and commits resources for professional development and planning.
