When developing a plan, why is it important to establish a process for continuous improvement?
Ms. Alston: We know that improvement works on a feedback loop. We always have to be checking in because things change. One thing we can rely on is that variables in the environment will change, the student will change, and the school itself will change. In order for us to make sure that what we are doing is sensitive — not reactive — to the changes that are taking place, we need some kind of continuous improvement process. It’s a matter of self-monitoring, of being able to make course corrections. It’s not like you set the plan on a track and don’t make sure that is still headed in the right direction. If the target moves then you need to adjust the plan. GC: How can the NEA help schools to improve? Ms. Alston: Our Priority Schools Initiative integrates a variety of programs to help schools in crisis. One of its components, the KEYS Program serves as a school self assessment and improvement process. We help schools identify their priorities and select programs to address those priori
