Introduction

A small, economically disadvantaged school district with a diverse student population embraced the opportunity to improve student outcomes using the Ohio Improvement Process and the materials provided by state and regional organizations. For more than five years, the district has been engaged in the improvement process. Many stakeholders, including school board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and community members, perceive significant changes in the structures and culture within the district. The quantitative data measuring student outcomes over the past five years show stability or gains in several important areas. Yet student achievement, as reflected in statewide accountability scores, continues to decline.

The district remains committed to its improvement process. However, it must decide if patient application of the current initiatives will generate the desired improvement or, if additional steps are needed, what new initiatives should be undertaken.

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