School Improvement

To support Nebraska schools in transformational school improvement, the NDE has been using the intensive school improvement framework Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement, in alignment with the six tenets of AQuESTT:

Talent Development (AQuESTT: Educator Effectiveness) Professional development with teachers and staff. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

Data use and analysis
Formative assessment and interim assessment High-leverage strategies for improvement Cultural competent/proficient content and pedagogy
Instructional coaching and modeling
Clear performance expectations for teachers (aligned to school instructional model)

Instructional Transformation (AQuESTT: Educator Effectiveness, Leadership, College, Career, & Civic Ready, Assessment)

Evidence-based instructional practices and instructional materials
Standards aligned and college and career ready instruction
Curriculum and instructional material selection consultation
Coaching in culturally sustaining pedagogy, practices, and curriculum Effective use of data, and developing data literacy
Coaching on effective intervention strategies
Content expertise and improving core instruction

Culture Shift (AQuESTT: Educational Opportunities and Access, Positive Partnerships, Relationships, & Student Success, Transitions)

Well-rounded student services
Implicit bias trainings and/or culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices
Student and family engagement in learning

Turnaround Leadership (AQuESTT: Leadership, Educator Effectiveness)

Leadership coaching aligned to the Nebraska Principal Performance Frameworks and AQuESTT tenets
Leverage district capacity to lead school improvement efforts with urgency and implement improvement practices with fidelity.
Local board strategic planning and professional development
Assistance in leveraging partnerships in the community
Collaboratively developing Priority School plan goals