Willa Cather Elementary School Dashboard Summary

In schools with strong Ambitious Instruction, classes are challenging and engaging. The instruction is clear, well-structured, and encourages students to build and apply knowledge. When combined with a supportive environment, Ambitious Instruction has the most direct effect on student learning. It is:

• well-defined with clear expectations for student success,
• interactive and encourages students to build and apply knowledge,
• well-paced (not measured), and
• aligned across grades (not measured).

In schools with Effective Leaders, principals and teachers work together to implement a shared vision. In such schools, people, programs, and resources are focused on a vision for sustained improvement. Leaders:

• practice shared leadership,
• set high goals for quality instruction,
• maintain mutually trusting and respectful relationships,
• support professional advancement for faculty and staff, and
• manage resources for sustained program improvement (not measured).

In schools with strong Collaborative Teachers, all teachers collaborate to promote professional growth. In such schools, teachers are:

• active partners in school improvement,
• committed to the school, and
• focused on professional development.

In schools with Involved Families, the entire staff builds strong external relationships. Such schools:

• see parents as partners in helping students learn,
• value parents' input and participation in advancing the school's mission, and
• support efforts to strengthen its students' community resources.

In schools with a Supportive Environment, the school is safe, demanding, and supportive. In such schools:

• students feel safe in and around the school,
• they find teachers trust-worthy and responsive to their academic needs,
• all students value hard work, and
• teachers push all students toward high academic performance.