A general discussion of the following questions sets the context for the choice work. Preparatory discussion questions:

• How well are the schools doing in our community?
• How do you define a low-performing school?
• What do you think are some of the most important differences between successful schools and failing schools? What makes the difference?

School Community A: Set High Expectations and Hold Schools Accountable
This school community is raising expectations for student achievement and holding teachers, students and parents accountable. This approach could involve:

• Setting high academic standards and helping everyone meet them
• Testing students regularly to measure progress and pinpoint where improvements are needed, even if it might mean some students won't graduate if they fail to meet the standards
• Rewarding schools with bonuses when student achievement improves, and sanctioning schools that don't improve with consequences like state takeovers or reorganization.

Those who like this approach often say:
"If you demand more, people will rise to the challenge."

School Community B: Increase Resources for Classroom Essentials
This school community needs resources for smaller classes, training and retaining teachers, keeping textbooks and technology current, and supporting struggling students with extra help after school and in the summer. To do this could involve:

• Pressuring officials to spend more on education, even if it means raising taxes or cutting other services, such as transportation or parks
• Raising money through donations, foundation grants and partnerships with local businesses
• Reviewing the current budget to make sure there is minimal waste and that existing resources are being spent on the right things

Those who like this approach often say:
"Schools can only succeed if they have the resources to get the job done."

School Community C: Increase Parent and Community Involvement
This school community is requiring parents and the whole community to get more involved in making sure students succeed. This approach could involve:

• Communicating with parents on a daily or weekly basis and making it easier to do so, with classroom phones, Web sites and e-mail
• Getting parents and community members involved in making decisions at the school and district levels about how money is spent, curriculum developed and discipline enforced.
  
• Requiring parents to sign an agreement promising to check homework nightly, attend school meetings and get training so they can help their children learn, even if it may be a heavy burden to overstressed parents.

Those who like this approach often say:
"The schools can't do it alone. Parents and community members must give more time and effort if students are to succeed."

School Community D: Ensure Effective Leadership
This community is focusing on strong, effective and qualified leadership. It is therefore giving school leaders the freedom and authority they need to make changes in the school and motivate the students and staff. This approach could involve:

• Giving school leaders more authority over their budget, curriculum and staff assignments, and making sure they're not hindered by bureaucratic obstacles
  
• Recruiting and retaining qualified leaders and staff
  
• Building trust among school staff and communicating a vision of teaching and learning, but recognizing the danger that reform may not outlast the leader

Those who like this approach often say,
"Change requires strong leaders who serve as role models and have the flexibility and authority to make their vision a reality."