Getting Serious About the System: A Fieldbook for District and School Leaders

A focused approach to raising student achievement

This fieldbook shows how to focus on the issues that have most impact upon student achievement. This multidimensional process also will increase the competencies of everyone involved while implementing solutions districtwide. The authors outline the framework and step-by-step guidance for simultaneously addressing the essential components and competencies at multiple levels of the local educational system. Key strategies include:

• Concentrating on aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment to state and Common Core State Standards


• Working on the underlying issues that are impacting the system


• Garnering support from all staff members to maximize time, resources, and energy