The Question Every School Is Asking
Why do some schools consistently achieve strong reading outcomes…
While others—despite effort, resources, and time—continue to struggle?
They use the same:
- Curriculum
- Assessments
- Instructional time
And yet, the results look completely different.
The Hard Truth
High-performing schools don’t succeed because they have better programs.
They succeed because they implement better instruction.
What Sets High-Performing Schools Apart
After working with schools across districts nationwide, one thing is clear:
The difference is not what they use—it’s how they use it.
The 8 Practices High-Performing Schools Do Differently
1. They Focus on Skills, Not Just Scores
Struggling Schools:
- Focus on benchmark percentages
- Talk about levels
High-Performing Schools:
- Identify specific skill gaps
- Use data to drive instruction
Example:
Instead of:
“40% below benchmark”
They say:
- “Students cannot segment phonemes”
- “Students struggle with decoding”
Precision leads to progress.
2. They Use Data to Drive Daily Instruction
Struggling Schools:
- Review data occasionally
High-Performing Schools:
- Use data daily to inform instruction
They ask:
- What do students need today?
- How will instruction change tomorrow?
Data is a tool for action, not reflection.
3. They Prioritize Explicit, Systematic Instruction
Struggling Schools:
- Rely on discovery and exposure
High-Performing Schools:
- Model skills explicitly
- Provide guided practice
- Ensure independent mastery
Nothing is left to chance.
4. They Implement Small Groups With Precision
Struggling Schools:
- Use level-based groups
High-Performing Schools:
- Use skill-based grouping
- Adjust groups frequently
Targeted instruction accelerates growth.
5. They Align Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Instruction
Struggling Schools:
- Intervention is disconnected
High-Performing Schools:
- Align instruction across all tiers
- Reinforce skills consistently
Alignment multiplies impact.
6. They Monitor Progress Frequently and Act Immediately
Struggling Schools:
- Monitor infrequently
- Delay adjustments
High-Performing Schools:
- Monitor weekly or biweekly
- Adjust instruction in real time
Urgency is a strategy.
7. They Build Teacher Capacity Through Coaching
Struggling Schools:
- Provide one-time PD
High-Performing Schools:
- Provide ongoing coaching
- Model instruction
- Give feedback
Teacher growth drives student growth.
8. They Lead With Clarity and Accountability
Struggling Schools:
- Lack consistent expectations
High-Performing Schools:
- Define clear instructional expectations
- Monitor implementation
- Hold teams accountable
Leadership drives consistency—and consistency drives results.
What This Looks Like in Practice
In a Struggling School:
- Data is reviewed but not used
- Instruction varies across classrooms
- Small groups lack focus
- Intervention is inconsistent
In a High-Performing School:
- Data drives daily instruction
- Teaching is explicit and aligned
- Small groups are targeted
- Intervention is precise
- Progress is monitored continuously
The difference is not effort, it’s execution.
The Instructional Core: What High-Performing Classrooms Look Like
Walk into a high-performing classroom and you will see:
✔ Clear learning objectives
✔ Explicit modeling
✔ Guided practice
✔ Immediate feedback
✔ Targeted small groups
✔ High student engagement
Instruction is intentional, structured, and responsive.
The Leadership Difference
High-performing schools are led by principals who:
1. Know What to Look For
They understand high-quality instruction
2. Use Data to Guide Decisions
They prioritize based on need
3. Monitor Classrooms Frequently
They ensure alignment
4. Support Teachers Continuously
They coach, model, and guide
They don’t just manage schools—they lead instruction.
The Role of Systems: Why Consistency Matters
High-performing schools don’t rely on individual teachers alone.
They build systems for:
- Data-driven decision making
- Small group instruction
- Progress monitoring
- Coaching and feedback
Systems ensure success is sustainable—not accidental.
The Impact: What Happens When Schools Get This Right
✔ Students master foundational skills
✔ Reading fluency improves
✔ Comprehension deepens
✔ Achievement gaps close
✔ Teachers feel confident and effective
Real Results We See
- Significant increases in benchmark proficiency
- Faster student growth
- Stronger instructional consistency
Because instruction is aligned, intentional, and responsive.
The Bottom Line: High Performance Is Not an Accident
Let’s be clear:
High-performing schools are not lucky.
They are intentional.
Final Thought: The Question That Changes Everything
The most effective schools don’t ask:
“Why are we not seeing results?”
They ask:
“What are high-performing schools doing differently—and how can we do it consistently?”