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3. Instruction

Maintain a consistent focus on improving instruction.

Chronically low-performing schools need to maintain a sharp focus on improving instruction at every step of the reform process. To improve instruction, schools should use data to set goals for instructional improvement, make changes designed to immediately and directly affect instruction, and continuously reassess student learning and instructional practices.

Successful turnaround schools use data to set goals for instructional improvement by examining school average test scores to identify areas that need schoolwide improvement, classroom data to identify teachers' instructional strengths and professional development needs, and student data to focus on the instructional needs of individual students. Turnaround schools take action designed to immediately and directly affect instruction, such as teacher collaboration in instructional planning, targeted professional development, and reviews of curricula against standards. They also monitor student progress continuously and make adjustments using benchmark assessments, observations, and daily student progress.