PROBLEM-SOLVING AND PLANNING FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC: COVID-19

Abstract

School Improvement Plans (SIPs) are comprehensive plans schools use to identify priority goals and strategies for continuous improvement. Although SIPs continue to be the primary driver for school improvement across the country, there is little research focused on how school leaders lead the process of creating a SIP. This case study investigated how expert school leaders engage in problem-solving and planning for the purpose of developing a SIP that leads to improved outcomes for all students. Data was collected from school improvement documentation, interviews with school leaders, and observation of SIP meetings. Triangulated data was clustered and analyzed to develop a logic model. Results revealed several suggestions related to how expert school leaders should engage in problem-solving and planning for the purpose of SIP development. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed in an effort to further the conversation about best practices in leading school improvement efforts.