Comprehensive School Reform

According to the United States Department of Education:
"The Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) program is designed to increase student achievement by assisting public schools across the country with implementing comprehensive reforms that are grounded in scientifically based research and effective practices."

What is the Action Learning Systems CSR Model?

The Action Learning Systems model for whole school reform is based on the learning theory and research bases of Rosenshine, Bereiter, Bloom, and Block; studies of school structure and culture by Lazotte and Slavin; and more recent studies by Marzano, Guskey, and Perkins on student achievement and performance gains as measured by academic achievement tests and other measurements. Central to this model is the belief that the business of a school is to ensure not only that students are equipped with critical core knowledge and competence, but also that the structure and operations of the school maximize achievement for all students. To ensure those results, ALS has adopted four principles to use as decision screens, helping school communities keep student success at the forefront of every decision:

1. Focus
2. Alignment
3. Expectations
4. Opportunity

These four principles form the essential operational basis needed for implementing each of the Six Effective Practices that make up the ALS Model:

• Click here to view the model

A Comprehensive School Reform program is one that addresses each of the following eleven components in a comprehensive and integrated design:

1. Proven methods and strategies based on scientifically based research
2. Comprehensive design
3. Professional development
4. Measurable goals and benchmarks
5. Support within the school
6. Support for teachers and principals
7. Parental and community involvement
8. External technical support and assistance
9. Annual evaluation
10. Coordination of resources
11. Strategies that improve academic achievement