about the project

Teach for Success (T4S) at WestEd is a focused, collaborative, research-based framework and process that improves classroom instruction, K-12, and student achievement.

The T4S team:

• builds the leadership capacities of administrators, academic coaches, and teachers to address academic rigor (planning for standards-based instruction) and rigorous teaching (delivering standards-based instruction);
• establishes a systematic approach for administrators to ensure high-quality instruction;
• provides districtwide common vocabulary on what counts as good teaching;
• trains instructional leaders to use the Teach for Success Classroom Observation Protocol, which provides objective data on how well the components of effective teaching are being implemented schoolwide and in classrooms;
• provides professional development and comprehensive support to lead, coach, and teach for success; and
• builds a top-to-bottom, districtwide understanding of the Teach for Success-identified components of effective teaching: instructional practices to support all learners: student engagement; assessment practices; cognitive level of classroom questions and activities; teacher techniques; and learning environment.

With guidance from the T4S team, teachers, academic coaches, and district and site leaders identify and implement:

• a foundation of research-based practices needed to plan, deliver, and assess effective, rigorous standards-based instruction;
• a process to lead and sustain an organizational culture to plan, deliver, and assess effective, rigorous standards-based instruction; and
• ways to provide ongoing, specific feedback to teachers to improve their ability to plan, deliver, and assess effective, rigorous standards-based instruction.