This project took a systemwide look at comprehensive school improvement while simultaneously working with schools that were undertaking reform efforts. For the purposes of this work, "comprehensive school improvement" is an inclusive term for engaging an entire school staff in an in-depth study of the teaching and learning process. Emphasis is placed on the examination of all aspects of the school -- curriculum, instruction, assessment, classroom management, professional development, parental and community involvement, school management, and so on--and identification of how all of these parts can work together to improve student results.

SEDL formed in-depth partnerships with five schools, one in each state of the educational laboratory's diverse service region. These partnerships were intended to differ from former models of school improvement in three specific ways. First, the focus of attention and assistance was on the entire school program and all factors that have the potential to affect student learning. This work was in no way to be a "quick fix" to show a fast turnaround in standardized test scores. Rather, the intent was to develop the capacity of school personnel and to promote their engagement in continuous improvement.

Second, the existing and proposed structures and practices at each school site were examined in terms of their expected benefits for student learning. Each school's needs were viewed as individual and unique, which required the creation of a program tailored to that specific site and a process to address specific areas of need.

Third, multiple technical assistance providers were coordinated to assist in the improvement efforts at each site during the FIRST project, and also beyond that time, to enable staff to stay informed and current in their practice. Again, because of the individual needs of each school site, the providers and the assistance that they offered varied.