Problem-Solving Approach to School Change: The Guilford Practical Intervention

School change is a complex and challenging endeavor. Many factors contribute to school success, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for improving student outcomes. However, research has shown that a problem-solving approach to school change can be effective in addressing the unique needs of each school.

One of the most well-known and successful problem-solving approaches to school change is the Guilford Practical Intervention (GPI). GPI is a comprehensive framework that helps schools identify and address the root causes of academic problems. It is based on the belief that schools are complex systems that must be understood in order to be changed effectively.

GPI is based on six key principles:

Transforming Schools: A Problem-Solving Approach to School Change (The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series)

by Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga

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Language	:	English
File size	:	5076 KB
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Print length	:	245 pages

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1. Focus on student outcomes. The ultimate goal of GPI is to improve student outcomes. This means that all decisions about school change should be made with the goal of improving student learning.
2. Use data to drive decision-making. Data is essential for understanding the root causes of academic problems. GPI uses a variety of data sources to track student progress and identify areas where improvement is needed.
3. Involve all stakeholders. GPI is a collaborative process that involves all stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, parents, and students. This ensures that everyone has a voice in the decision-making process and that the changes that are made are supported by the entire school community.
4. Use a problem-solving approach. GPI uses a problem-solving approach to school change. This means that schools are encouraged to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement those solutions in a systematic way.
5. Be flexible and adaptable. GPI is a flexible framework that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each school. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and schools should be able to tailor the GPI process to their own specific circumstances.
6. Be sustainable. GPI is designed to be sustainable over time. The changes that are made should be embedded in the school's culture and practices so that they can continue to improve student outcomes in the long term.

GPI is a five-step process:

1. Assessment: The first step is to assess the school's current state and identify the root causes of academic problems. This involves collecting data from a variety of sources, including student assessments, teacher surveys, and parent interviews.
2. Planning: Once the root causes of academic problems have been identified, the school develops a plan to address those causes. This plan should be based on evidence-based practices and should be tailored to the unique needs of the school.
3. Implementation: The next step is to implement the plan. This involves putting the changes into practice and monitoring progress to ensure that the plan is working as intended.
4. Evaluation: The final step is to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan. This involves collecting data to track student progress and identifying areas where further improvement is needed.
5. Sustainability: The goal of GPI is to create sustainable changes that will continue to improve student outcomes over time. This involves embedding the changes in the school's culture and practices and providing ongoing support to the school community.

Research has shown that GPI is effective in improving student outcomes. A study by the University of North Carolina found that schools that implemented GPI saw significant gains in student achievement. The study found that students in GPI schools outperformed students in control schools on a variety of measures, including reading, math, and science.

Another study by the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance found that GPI was effective in reducing dropout rates. The study found that schools that implemented GPI had lower dropout rates than control schools.

The problem-solving approach to school change is a powerful tool that can help schools improve student outcomes. The Guilford Practical Intervention is a well-researched and effective problem-solving approach that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each school. Schools that are looking to improve student outcomes should consider implementing GPI.

Transforming Schools: A Problem-Solving Approach to School Change (The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series)

by Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5076 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	245 pages

FREE