Guides and Tools

Information about CSR Models—includes catalogues/guides pertaining to CSR models as well as self-assessment tools for schools and districts.
Implementation—includes resources that focus on implementation and the need to build capacity at the school/district level to support CSR.
Evaluation—includes resources that focus specifically on evaluation, as well as tools for data-driven decision-making.
Sustainability—includes resources that focus on how schools/districts identify and/or reallocate additional, long-term funding for CSR.

Information about CSR Models

Better by Design? A Consumer’s Guide to Schoolwide Reform
1999, Thomas B. Fordham Foundation
This guide describes ten reform models and presents accounts of site visits to schools where each model is being implemented.

CSRQ Center Report on Elementary School CSR Models
2005, American Institutes for Research (AIR)
This report from AIR’s Comprehensive School Reform Quality (CSRQ) Center is a review of 22 elementary school CSR models. It serves as a decision-making tool for comparing various models, rating each model as to evidence of 1) positive effects on student achievement; 2) positive effects on additional outcomes; 3) positive effects on family and community involvement; 4) links between research and model design; and 5) services and support to schools to enable successful implementation.

Guide to Working with Model Providers
2000, U. S. Department of Education
This document from the Regional Educational Laboratory Network offers advice to schools and districts working with an external model provider. The guide follows the process through initial stages, contract negotiations, and on-going partnerships. Tools are included to assist throughout the process. This document is available from Learning Point Associates/NCREL.

Making Good Choices: A Guide for Schools and Districts (revised edition)
2002, NCREL (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
This tool for planning and implementing comprehensive reform helps schools select a CSR model that fits the needs of the school.

Making Good Choices: Districts Take the Lead
2000, NCREL (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
This tool focuses on the role the school district plays in leading and supporting comprehensive school reform. Topics include strategic planning, data collection, resource reallocation, and evaluation.

CSR Practitioner’s Guide to Scientifically Based Research
2003, National Clearinghouse on Comprehensive School Reform
This guide is designed to help those planning and/or implementing CSR to understand and respond to the new federal regulations regarding the quality of research supporting CSR models and programs. The guide is maintained by The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement.

Database of CSR Schools
The CSR Awards Database listed information about schools that were awarded CSR funds. The database identified schools implementing particular reform models. It also provided state-specific information on CSR subgrants.
In 1998, the Department of Education awarded SEDL a contract to construct a searchable online database of schools receiving CSR subgrants. SEDL hosted the database from 1998 through October, 2006. In November, 2006, the database was transferred to a new hosting contractor; however that contract has also ended, and the database is no longer available online. Please contact the U.S. Department of Education if you have questions about the status of the CSR Awards Database.

Implementation

At Your Fingertips: Using Everyday Data to Improve Schools
1998, MPR Associates
This is a user-friendly workbook designed to help teachers and administrators use available data to improve schools. The guide presents a simple six-step approach to selecting, analyzing, and reporting key information. The steps direct schools on how to (1) establish goals; (2) identify specific outcomes and related practices; (3) determine data sources and indicators; (4) analyze the data; (5) set performance targets; and (6) monitor performance over time. This workbook costs $39.95. It can be ordered by calling (800) 677-6987; by emailing services@mprinc.com; or by ordering online at http://www.mprinc.com/ps/ayf/index.html

Evaluation

At Your Fingertips: Using Everyday Data to Improve Schools
1998, MPR Associates
This is a user-friendly workbook designed to help teachers and administrators use available data to improve schools. The guide presents a simple six-step approach to selecting, analyzing, and reporting key information. The steps direct schools on how to (1) establish goals; (2) identify specific outcomes and related practices; (3) determine data sources and indicators; (4) analyze the data; (5) set performance targets; and (6) monitor performance over time. This workbook costs $39.95. It can be ordered by calling (800) 677-6987; by emailing services@mprinc.com; or by ordering online at http://www.mprinc.com/ps/ayf/index.html

Evaluating Whole School Reform Efforts: A Guide for District and School Staff (2nd edition)
2000, NWREL (Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory)
This practical resource walks educators through the steps involved in planning, designing, and carrying out effective evaluation of CSR programs. The guidebook describes how to plan and prepare for an evaluation; develop evaluation questions; collect, analyze, interpret, and report data; and use findings to make improvements.

How to Evaluate Comprehensive School Reform Models
1999, New American Schools
This guide is designed to help school district leaders understand how schools can and should use evaluation as a tool for data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement when implementing a CSR program. Based on researcher Steven M. Ross’ work with the Memphis City Schools, this guide explains how a thoughtfully planned evaluation is an essential part of any CSR effort.

Evaluating for Success
1999, MCREL (Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning)
This guide for planning, conducting, and reporting on a CSR evaluation is designed to help schools with CSR grants meet the evaluation requirement.

Sustainability

A Better Return on Investment: Reallocating Resources to Improve Student Achievement
2000, NCREL (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
This booklet focuses on the use of resource reallocation to promote standards-based reform.

Making Good Choices: Sustainable School Improvement
2004, NCREL (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory)
Aimed at school and district leaders, this tool focuses on sustaining comprehensive school reform efforts. Among other topics, it discusses how to build commitment, increase staff retention, and find money to continue the improvement process.

Rethinking School Resources
New American Schools
Karen Hawley Miles of Education Resource Management Strategies in Dallas, TX, presents a framework for districts and schools to use when re-examining school infrastructures to support academic success more effectively.