Comprehensive School Reform: Perspectives from Model Developers.

With the help of programs such as the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSDR) program--which provides funding to schools to help them improve student performance--the number of models for school reform has increased in recent years. These models of reform represent a wide range of ideas about the best ways to effect change in low-performing schools. In May 2000, model developers from CSDR schools, along with other educators, met in a 2-day conference to discuss the challenges in adopting comprehensive reform models and in making them work. This article presents the developments from that conference and serves as a guide for those looking to implement change in their schools. Specifically, it discusses six common issues that emerged from the conference as keys to successful and meaningful educational improvement. The six issues are as follows: (1) the crucial resource of time; (2) state and district policies that support change; (3) getting off to the right start; (4) strong, consistent district and school leadership; (4) ongoing professional learning; (5) evaluations aligned with goals and sensibly timed; and (6) sustained vision and momentum over the long haul. (WFA)