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WEAC Teaching and Learning Director Charlene Gearing discusses some of the quality research that has gone into developing the KEYS school improvement program.
 Janesville Education Association President David Parr (left) and Janesville Superintendent Thomas Evert say the KEYS program could help boost their school improvement efforts. |
Although they may have differences at the bargaining table, Janesville Superintendent Thomas Evert and Janesville Education Association President David Parr are "on the same team" when it comes to wanting the best possible education for children.
That is why, they said, they came together to the KEYS school improvement program convocation August 6-7, 2007, in Sheboygan.
"What brought us here is our focus on student achievement and learning," Evert said. "It's the biggest commonality we have, we're always working for students."
"And we want to show the community that their faith in us is well-deserved," Parr added.
Parr and Evert were among dozens of participants in two successive KEYS training events - a convocation of Wisconsin participants and potential participants followed by a Midwest KEYS conference.
"KEYS is based on the finest research in the nation on quality schools," WEAC Teaching and Learning Director Charlene Gearing said as she kicked off the four-day events. "If you come with us on this journey, we have wonderful tools to help you as you write school improvement plans."
The KEYS initiative begins with the use of a comprehensive research-based survey of school staff and, in some cases, parents and other citizens. The survey – which is conducted anonymously on paper or online – focuses on 42 indicators of school quality that correlate with high student achievement. The KEYS staff at NEA compiles results. NEA and WEAC provide resources and a framework and support system for districts to follow up on survey results and turn them into actions that lead to results.
About a dozen school districts in the state have adopted the KEYS model.
 Tri-Wauk UniServ Director Ellen MacFarlane, one of the KEYS trainers, writes suggestions as participants list their expectations for the convocation. |
Evert said he was particularly impressed with how well-grounded KEYS is in solid educational research. "It seems to combine the leading applications and theories in helping students," he said. "I believe it would be a very nice match with what we are currently doing in Janesville."
"We have a good school improvement plan, and this would make it better," Parr said. "This would take us to the next step."
Parr said it is important that school improvement efforts have teacher buy-in, and KEYS is a program that teachers can support.
Evert said when he and Parr return to the district they would meet with the Superintendent's Advisory Committee, teacher representatives and school board representatives to discuss the possibility of implementing KEYS strategies in the district.
Gearing said KEYS is focused on indicators of school quality that correlate with high student achievement. KEYS provides districts with a survey tool to give them baseline data, assistance with analyzing data and identifying specific areas most in need of improvement, and an opportunity for collaboration, she said.
"We help you listen and think about what you really want beyond the data you have," she said.
KEYS is an ongoing school improvement effort because the road to continuous improvement has no end, she said.
"You already have a beginning because you chose to be here," she told the participants.
Gearing shared comments from districts that are involved in KEYS. One of them said:
"Teachers are talking about what is going on in the building. Staff has a chance to voice to the district what they like and don't like, what is working and what is not."
For more information about KEYS, go to the www.keysonline.org or e-mail Charlene Gearing at gearingc@weac.org.
Posted August 10, 2007