DistrictsMovingUp

What Is WestEd’s DistrictsMovingUp?

DistrictsMovingUp is a comprehensive, coherent, and intensive team-based process that ensures improved student achievement.

• We build district capacity to increase student achievement.
• We help district personnel create sustainable accountability systems.
• We use data-driven and results-driven strategies to help districts improve learning for all students.

Our leaders are experienced superintendents and assistant superintendents with proven track records leading local and state reform efforts. Our knowledgeable and committed team works collaboratively with district stakeholders to provide customized, research-based solutions that meet the unique needs of your district.

Who Should Use DistrictsMovingUp?

• Elementary, secondary, and K–12 districts in program improvement or corrective action
• Districts with a firm commitment to improving student achievement and learning

What Is DistrictsMovingUp All About?

WestEd knows from research and decades of experience that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. That’s why the DistrictsMovingUp team develops a customized proposal based on individual district strengths and needs. Each DistrictsMovingUp action plan is customized by a leader who is familiar with your district’s culture and goals — but, most importantly, your student achievement data. While an implementation will differ based on each district’s unique characteristics and needs, the DistrictsMovingUp process remains the same.

How Do We Measure Success?

Our goal is to improve teaching, learning, administration, and leadership so that your district attains — and exceeds — these student achievement targets:

• Your district performance results will increase at a rate higher than the state average.
• Your district will exceed the expected performance for similar districts in the state.
• Achievement gaps among ethnic groups and between low-income and non-low- income students will be reduced at a rate greater than the state average.
• Your graduation rates will increase (high school only).

What Is the Research Base for DistrictsMovingUp?

Ten evidence-based principles guide our work:

1. Focus unwaveringly on good instruction that reflects sound research and best practices.
2. Align standards, curriculum, assessment, and instruction.
3. Build capacity to analyze and use data effectively to make decisions.
4. Build capacity to develop and use effective common formative assessments at regular intervals throughout the school year to monitor progress and make adjustments accordingly.
5. Use fiscal and human resources effectively to support student achievement.
6. Provide high-quality, ongoing, job-embedded professional development that helps all personnel acquire the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs effectively.
7. Hold all people in the system appropriately accountable for improved student achievement.
8. Develop courageous leaders at all levels of the district who can effectively implement and manage ongoing improvement.
9. Be customized and flexible enough to meet the unique needs of each district.
10. Gain active engagement from family and community.

Who Supports the Process and Implementation?

All districts receive these customized solutions led by a successful former district leader:

• Needs assessment tools
• Detailed analysis of district data
• On-site training

A team of WestEd experts helps each district implement its customized action plan. Depending on your needs, this might include:

• Professional development for teachers of English learners, directed by Pam Spycher
• Special education needs assessment and professional development, directed by Dona Meinders
• Alignment of state content standards, curriculum, and assessments in all subjects, directed by Ruth McKenna, Mary Peterson, and Sharon Tucker
• Fiscal management and resource allocation to improve student achievement, directed by Jannelle Kubinec
• Improving classroom instruction through professional development, classroom walkthroughs, and feedback, directed by Huck Fitterer
• Lesson planning for differentiated instruction that uses student achievement data and formative assessments, directed by Joe Sassone
• Coaching for principals and other district leaders, using data to improve student achievement, directed by Jon Frank and Robert Linquanti
• Parent and community involvement, directed by Bonnie Benard

What Is the Cost?

The DistrictsMovingUp proposal is structured into phases. The foundation for all proposals is the number of consultants required to complete the services described in each customized plan (we only charge for the days on site). WestEd's fixed-price daily consultation rate is $2,550, including consulting services, travel, materials, and program evaluation.

WestEd products and tools will be provided as needed, such as:

• Teach for Success (T4S) Classroom Observation Protocol
• Local Accountability Professional Development Series (LAPDS), Modules 1-6
• English Learners and Language Arts Coaching Tools
• School Services of California Resource Re-Allocation Tools

Download the DistrictsMovingUp brochure (PDF) and visit our website.

Contact Information

Ruth McKenna
360.472.1876
rmckenn@wested.org