Evaluation of Modernizing Our Schools

Our modernizing of schools project is about moving from traditional schools to a setup of how humans learn the best- more student involvement in the process of learning, more flexible spaces, and greater connection. To make sure we are doing this, we will be using the Kaufmann model of evaluation.

What is this Kaufmann model? It is a five-step process of evaluation. First is input, which is the evaluation of the materials and resources. Next, process. This is to assess how it is being delivered and the user's reaction to it. Three, acquisition, which measures the knowledge and skills learned. Fourth is the application. Here we see how they use their new skills in the new learning environment. Last is evaluation. Here we see how it impacts the stakeholders and even society.  This way of evaluation looks at the whole system from start to finish.

Our overall goal for this project is to redesign learning so that school feels engaging, responsive, and relevant. This means updating teaching practices, improving learning spaces, strengthening communication with families, and making sure our decisions align with learning science, not just tradition.

How we will evaluate

Pre-Project:

Here we will gather best practices in education. We will share these with parents, teachers, and the community. We will compare current practices with modern best practices. We will take surveys and have listening sessions with students, parents, and community members.

Ongoing:

Here we will be gathering data from students. Academic and social-emotional. We will have ongoing check-ins with teachers, administration, and families so we can see where we are in real time and adjust. We will have check-ins with local and state governments with funding and timelines and as well as any resources they can provide or red tape they can remove.

Post-Project:

We will look at changes in knowledge, classroom practice, student engagement, and school-wide outcomes. We will take this information and share it with the district and any state or federal partners

I will take this information and respond to it right away. After each point of evaluation, I will meet with parents, teachers, and administrators, as well as any necessary group. During this, I will look at what needs to be tweaked and make adjustments. I will communicate with local, state, and federal partners as needed. This process will be human-centered and will keep modern best practices in education as my north star in guiding this process.

The instrument on which I am going to focus is for the Pre-Project.  The tools I will create are surveys for the necessary community partners.

Teachers: (Scale 1-5 plus short answer)

  • How confident do you feel using student-centered or flexible learning approaches?

  • What barriers currently limit you the most (time, resources, training, policies)?

  • What support would help you feel successful in this transition?

  • How do you feel about the school’s modernization goals?

Pre-Project Survey Questions.

Students: (Scale 1-5)

  • I feel I have a voice in how I learn.

  • I understand why I am learning what I am learning.

  • I feel supported in my learning.

  • I feel motivated in my learning.

  • Short answer response: What would make learning more meaningful to you?

Parents:(1-5 scale and/or short answer)

  • I understand the goals and outcomes of this project.

  • I feel the school communicates well with families.

  • What does a “modern school” look like to you?

  • What concerns or wishes do you have as we begin this project?

Administration:

  • What opportunities or obstacles do we need to know before starting?

  • Where do you see the biggest pushback?

  • What data or outcomes do you need for parents, staff, board, local, state, and federal governments?

  • What resources do we have to hit the ground running?