A steady cycle of different assessments identify students who need help.  More support and instruction time is provided, either during the school day or outside normal school hours, to students who need more help.  Teaching is adjusted based on frequent monitoring of student progress and needs.  Assessment results are used to focus and improve instructional programs.

Resources Websites:

• http://www.mcrel.org/products/assessment/designing.asp "Designing a Sustainable Standards-Based Assessment System" Don Burger
• http://www.ascd.org/readingroom/books/schmoker99book.html 
• http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs 
• http://www.ascd.org/readingroom/books/schmoker01book.html 

Publications:

• Bernhardt, V. L. (1998). Data Analysis for Comprehensive Schoolwide Improvement. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.
• Bernhardt, V. L. (2000). Designing and Using Databases for School Improvement. Larchmont, NY. Eye on Education, Inc.
• Conzemius, A. and O'Neill, J. (2001). Building Shared Responsibility for Student Learning. Alexandria, VA:  ASCD. See chapter 3, Reflection.
• Cotton, K. (1995). Research You Can Use to Improve Results. Alexandria, VA: ASCD and Portland, OR:  NWREL. See chapter 7, Assessment.
• Cunningham, W. G. and Gresso, D. W. (1993). Cultural Leadership: The Culture of Excellence in Education.  Boston: Allyn and Bacon. See chapter 7, Quality, Information, and Improvement.
• DuFour, R. and Eaker, R. (1998). Professional Learning Communities at Work. Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement. Bloomington, IN: National Educational Service. See chapter 6, Sustaining the School Improvement Process.
• Hill, B. C., Ruptic, C., and Norwick, L. (1998). Classroom-Based Assessment. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc.
• Holcomb, E. L. (2001). Asking the Right Questions: Techniques for Collaboration and School Change. (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
• Jenkins, L. (1997). Improving Student Learning: Applying Deming's Quality Principles in Classrooms.  Milwaukee, WI: American Society for Quality. See section II, Improving Learning; section IV, Enthusiasm Maintained; and section V, Decision Making for Improved Student Learning.
• Sagor, R. (1996). Local Control and Accountability: How to Get It, Keep It, and Improve School Performance.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. See chapter 9, Bringing Out the Best in Teachers and Programs.
• Schlechty. P. C. (2001). Shaking Up the School House: How to Support and Sustain Educational Innovation.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. See Part Two, Creating Quality Learning Experiences.
• Schmoker, M. (1999). Results: The Key to Continuous School Improvement. (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA:  ASCD.
• Schmoker, M. (2001). The Results Fieldbook: Practical Strategies from Dramatically Improved Schools.  Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

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