This Handout Packet includes all of the downloadable resources found throughout the Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools online module. Each of these handouts is available for individual download as staff work through the module together during professional development events. Most handouts are relevant to all school staff and two handouts are…

In this article, the authors discuss 4 critical components of mathematics assessment that relate to instruction: (a) teachers need to be knowledgeable about mathematical standards and align them with assessment; (b) assessment should combine formal and informal approaches to obtain a more authentic picture of students' performance and meaningfully…

This collection of essays on school climate seeks to provide a broad perspective on climate evaluation and to suggest activities that can improve working conditions in schools. Written by practicing educators who have exercised leadership in school climate improvement projects, the articles are divided into two sections: evaluation and…

Pacific principals' perceived priority needs for professional development are examined. Mailed surveys of 439 principals in 10 jurisdictions yielded 243 responses, or a 55 percent response rate. Respondents rated themselves on task effectiveness and professional development needs. Results indicate a need for information concerning community…

Designed for district- and school-level character education committees, "Character Education by Design: A Blueprint for Successful District and School Initiatives" is a how-to guide for developing an effective character education initiative, one that will not only enhance the climate of the school and social behavior of the students, but…

The four Special Emphasis Elementary Schools in the Corpus Christi Independent School District have markedly increased students' achievement, particularly in reading and language arts. This study was conducted to determine the perceived impact of the Special Emphasis (SE) components and to aid in the implementation of future SE schools. The…

The Custodians/Security Department is a support service of the Des Moines (Iowa) Independent Community School District. Responsibilities of the department do not stop with the care of the facility, but extend to providing a clean, safe environment for all who use school facilities. Program evaluation in the 1993-94 school year reveals a total…

This survey is designed to be an assessment instrument for measuring a school's effectiveness in meeting the needs of at-risk and low achieving students. The survey consists of nine sections. Statements listed in each section are used to characterize specific behaviors with a scale rating for how each statement reflects the situation or attitude…

The Vermont State Board of Education adopted new standards for its public schools in August, 1984. This guide was prepared to assist schools in preparing for, and undergoing, the school approval process, a process which is voluntary for the first two years of its implementation. Section I presents and explains the procedure in the school approval…

The purpose of the staff development project in Mt. Diablo Unified School District is to personalize management for school improvement. This report describes how the project staff developed both a strong process (individual sites) and product (aggregated data across sites) evaluation component. In the process evaluation section, technical…

This report describes and assesses the effectiveness of activities conducted by the University of Toledo (Ohio)/Springfield Local Schools Teacher Corps Project. On-site staff development activities provided for elementary and secondary school teachers are described: (1) two credit-bearing courses on alternative education programs for mainstreamed…

A report is given on perceived improvements in overall school climate resulting from staff development activities initiated in response to a needs assessment survey distributed in December 1979 to the staffs of three elementary schools, one junior high school, and two senior high schools in Springfield, Ohio. Information is given on: (1) priority…

This dissertation reports on the trend toward an increased emphasis on learning in two-year colleges. The author reviewed the mission statements and current resource development plans of the 106 California community colleges. More than one-third stated that being a learning-centered college was part of their mission, vision, or goals. The study…

The Indicators of Quality Schools is a series of checklists of schoolwide practices or conditions found in schools known to have an effective instructional program. The instrument is designed to help schools identify areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed. The instrument consists of three parts: (1) the environment for learning,…

This manual describes the Dimensions of Excellence Scales (DOES) and their use. The DOES have been developed to assist local education agencies in their efforts to diagnose problems, identify strengths, and improve school operations. There are survey scales for school staff, parents, and students. Each scale concerns dimensions that have been…