1st Edition

A Roadmap for Quality Transformation in Education A Guide for Local Education Reform Leaders

By Ncafe Nc Awards Excellence Copyright 1997

    When it comes to educational performance, the United States does not fare well in comparison to our global competitors. Numerous challenges, such as our increasing dependence on technology, and the ongoing difficulties we face in providing cost-effective, good quality public education, point to the need for changes in our educational system if we are to provide a competitive workforce in the future.

    Introduction: A Means for Managing Systemic Change
    In the Eye of the Beholder
    A Means, Not an End
    The Goal: A Beginning Resource for Exploration
    The Quality Innovators
    SECTION I: A NEW WAY OF THINKING
    What is Continuous Quality Improvement?
    Basic Values of Continuous Quality Improvement
    The Cost of Quality
    Transformational Leadership
    A No-Win Scenario for Change: Tinkering with an Outdated Paradigm
    The Importance of Transformational Leadership
    Planning the Transformation
    The Fear of Change
    Sudden versus Gradual Change
    The Keys to Planning a Successful Transformation
    SECTION II: A ROADMAP FOR CQI
    Commitment at the Top
    The Superintendent's Role
    The School Board's Role
    Patience will be a Virtue
    Warning: No "One" Right Way
    Phase 1 - Preparing for Change
    Senior Leadership Explores CQI
    Superintendent Communicates Commitment District-Wide
    Train the Leadership
    Adopt a CQI Policy
    Recruit and Develop Champions
    Appoint the District Quality Council
    Select Quality Coordinator
    Phase 2 - Assessing School System Performance
    Identify Internal and External Customers
    Survey Customers for Valid Requirements and Satisfaction
    Scan the Environment for Current and Future Trends
    Use a Conceptual Framework to Establish a Baseline
    Benchmark for Comparative Analysis
    Phase 3 - Planning for CQI
    Develop a District-Wide Strategic Plan
    Develop a District-Wide CQI Implementation Strategy for Managing the Transformation
    Permeate the Vision System-Wide
    Phase 4 - Deploying CQI
    Begin Delivery of CQI Training
    Demonstrate the Philosophy through Pilot Projects
    Charter District-Level Teams
    Organize School-Level Quality Councils
    Charter School Improvement Teams
    Integrate Quality Concepts and Tools into Classroom Instruction
    Phase 5 - Sustaining the Quality Transformation
    Communicate and Celebrate Success
    Align Performance Evaluation with CQI
    Build an In-House Training Capacity
    "A Relentless Willingness to Examine 'What Is' in Light of Our Vision"
    A Continuous, Unending Cycle of Improvements
    An Aggressive Community Outreach Program to Build Public Support for the Quality Transformation
    Continual Renewal and Revitalization through Champion Development and Growth
    Appendix A - Total Quality in Education Partnership Agreement
    Appendix B - Total Quality Education Process Plan
    Appendix C1 - Johnston County Schools Total Quality in Education Assessment Instrument
    Appendix C2 - New Hanover County Schools School Improvement Practice Self-Assessment
    Appendix C3 - New Hanover County Schools Principal Performance Appraisal
    Appendix C4 - School System Self-Assessment Guide
    Appendix D- New Hanover County Schools Strategic and Operational Planning
    Appendix E - Resource Directory
    Appendix F - Glossary
    Appendix G - References
    Index

    Biography

    Ncafe Nc Awards Excellence (Author)