School Improvement in Maryland

School Improvement

Improving Student Achievement

School Improvement is the single most important business of the school. It is the process that schools use to ensure all students are achieving at high levels. “The combination of three concepts constitutes the foundation for positive improvement results: meaningful teamwork; clear, measurable goals; and the regular collection and analysis of performance data.” Mike Schmoker

A Principal's Role in Improving Student Achievement

Principals are increasingly more accountable for the achievement of their students. But where should they focus their efforts to improve student achievement? This section identifies key expectations, processes, and structures principals need to put in place to lead their school in improving student achievement.

In This Section:
  • Understand and Communicate Your Target
  • Engage Staff in Analyzing Your Data
  • Align Teaching and Assessing with VSC
  • Structure Regular Time for Teams to Examine Student Work
  • Monitor Student Progress
  • Keep the Focus on Student Achievement

Ron Peiffer, Deputy State Superintendent for Academic Policy“MSDE has received a great deal of feedback from stakeholders strongly supporting HSA.”

Ron Peiffer, Deputy State Superintendent for Academic Policy



Online Course

Using Data to Improve Student Achievement

“The problem is not tests per se but the failure…to be results focused and data driven. Coaches regularly adjust performance in light of ongoing results, even dramatically altering their lesson plans in light of unexpectedly poor results.”

Grant Wiggins, MSDE

This online course is designed to build the capacity of school leaders to use data to improve student achievement.

In This Section:

  • Understanding Maryland's standards for schools
  • Using state data to inform school improvement planning
  • Using school data to clarify and address your problem
  • Using classroom data to monitor individual student progress

Leading Your School

School Improvement Planning

School improvement planning is led by the principal and a school improvement team but ultimately must involve the entire staff. This section guides a school through the process by identifying key action steps and questions the team needs to address. A Principal's Role offers tips and strategies to help principals lead the process.

In This Section:
  • Analyzing your data
  • Creating your action plan
  • Monitoring your progress
  • Creating a shared vision