Schools to Watch: School Transformation Network

Schools to Watch: School Transformation Network is a whole school reform model designed to improve educational practices, experiences, and outcomes of persistently low-performing middle-grades schools (grades 6-8) serving high-need students. The project provides multiple supports including: tools and data for assessment, goal setting, action planning, and monitoring; technical assistance from a STW coach, principal mentor, and mentor STW school; networking opportunities at state and national levels; implementing an early warning indicators system; and focused professional development to build learning communities and address needs of at-risk students. The framework uses the Forum's STW criteria and rubric focusing on academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures. Implementation occurs over four years with intensive coaching services (2 days/month for 9 months annually), principal mentoring (monthly contacts), visits to mentor schools (at least twice yearly), and participation in state/national STW networks.