Opening questions for discussion followed by presentation of 3 schools' approaches.

Opening questions: How well are students doing in school in our community? Are some doing better than others? Who's succeeding, who's not-and why?

School A is focusing on raising expectations

• This school is demanding excellence of all students, with new academic standards that all students will need to meet if they are to move ahead.
• It looks to hire teachers with high academic expectations for all students and trains them in the new standards.
• Finally, all students are tested regularly to determine how well they are doing, and to determine how well the teachers and the school are doing.

School B is focusing on increasing parental and community involvement

• This school concentrates on making sure all parents have the information they need about their child's education.
• It also works to make the school more welcoming and convenient for all kinds of parents and guardians, as well as other community members.
• Finally, it provides counseling, social services and mentoring for students with social problems that distract them from learning.

School C is focusing on ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment.

• It has a zero-tolerance policy that removes violent kids or those caught with weapons or drugs.
• It is investing in programs to teach kids to resolve their conflicts peacefully.
• And, it is promoting tolerance, understanding and respect across racial and ethnic lines.