Table of Contents
About the Authors xi
Foreword xiii
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 The Case for Districtwide Alignment 5
It's Not Easy 6
The Three Big Ideas 9
Ensuring that All Students Learn 9
Building a Collaborative Culture 9
Establishing a Focus on Results 10
Conclusion 10
Chapter 2 Alignment's Essential Components 11
Defining District Roles 11
The Three Roles 11
Role Bridges 12
The Cascading Effect 13
Communicating Through Data 14
Collecting Formative and Summative Assessments 17
Data Comparisons 18
Audience-Based Data 18
Role-Based Reporting of Data 20
Applying Loose and Tight Leadership 24
Reciprocal Accountability 25
Role Expertise 26
Commitment to the Big Ideas 26
Applying the Alignment Constants 27
Conclusion 28
Chapter 3 Aligning to a Focus on Learning 29
The Strategic Role 29
The Tactical Role 30
The Operational Role 30
Non-Negotiables for Ensuring a Focus on Learning 30
A Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum 30
A Balanced and Coherent System of Assessment 34
A Schoolwide Pyramid of Interventions 39
Alignment Constants 44
Strategic Responsibilities 44
Tactical Responsibilities 48
Operational Responsibilities 48
Case Study for a Focus on Learning 49
Deconstructing the Story: What Went Right 51
Deconstructing the Story: What Went Wrong 53
Summary 57
Conclusion 57
Chapter 4 Aligning to a Collaborative Culture 59
The Strategic Role 59
The Tactical Role 60
The Operational Role 61
Non-Negotiables for Building a Collaborative Culture 61
Shared Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals 62
High-Performing Collaborative Teams 66
Creating Intentional Collaboration 71
Alignment Constants 77
Case Study for Building a Collaborative Culture 83
Deconstructing the Story: What Went Right 84
Deconstructing the Story: What Went Wrong 86
Summary 89
Conclusion 89
Chapter 5 Aligning to a Results Orientation 91
The Strategic Role 91
The Tactical Role 92
The Operational Role 93
Non-Negotiables for Establishing a Results Orientation 93
Establishing a Data Mindset 93
Data Management, Collection, and Analysis 103
Data-Based Action to Improve Results 108
Alignment Constants 110
Case Study for Establishing a Results Orientation 116
Deconstructing the Story: What Went Right 118
Deconstructing the Story: What Went Wrong 119
Summary 124
Conclusion 124
Chapter 6 An Alternative to Dead Reckoning: Assessing PLC Alignment 125
Why Alignment Appraisal Tools? 125
The Big Idea Assessment Instrument-Appraisal Tool 1 126
The Alignment Constants Instrument-Appraisal Tool 2 130
Conclusion 131
Epilogue 133
Appendix: Big Idea Self-Assessments 135
Self-Assessment for a Focus on Learning 136
Self-Assessment for Building a Collaborative Culture 139
Self-Assessment for a Results Orientation 142
References and Resources 145
Index 149
