ASCD Conference Day 3

Serious School Improvement: Three Critical Interventions for District and Schools
Presenter: Dr. Robert J. Marzano

1. Time-based vs performance-based system.
Local context: streaming, a balance between the two. Try to “catch” pupils with special needs before they move higher. Early identification is important in order to move them to a suitable environment. Sometimes, requires outright action with the parents.

2. Unreasonable second order change – requires courage and sensitivity on the leader to make a change.

3. Education problems is at the systems level. May not support classroom teachers. Individual’s influence is important, but teamwork is even more important.
Local context: systems are in place. Trying to do more at the classroom level.
US: system level not good, but classroom level good.

4. New teachers with new ideas, but lack experience. Experienced teachers need to guide the new ones. Allow them to try out new ideas – coaching is the key to help them learn (guided learning). Senior teachers are important in this area.