Continuous Improvement Model

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CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MODEL

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RISD Instructional Standards and Support Services
400 S. Greenville Ave.
Richardson, Texas 75081
469 593-0388
Fax: 469 593-0390
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The Continuous Improvement Model (CIM – pronounced “SIM”) was developed to assist administrators, teachers, and students in recognizing students’ academic strengths and weaknesses. All RISD curriculum is aligned with the state-mandated Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and will be assessed with the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) during the school year. The TAKS will measure essential academic skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies and will evaluate each student’s understanding and mastery of the TEKS. Satisfactory performance on the TAKS exit level tests is a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma in Texas.

The Process

The Continuous Improvement Model is a six-step process designed to help RISD teachers and administrators implement and monitor students’ academic skills. The model was developed and refined through a unique collaboration between central office staff and schools. Teachers and students both benefit from the CIM by enabling each to follow a student’s academic improvement and to concentrate on skills that may need additional practice or instruction.

The Steps

Step One: Analyzing the Data

Schools and central staff analyze information obtained from classroom and district assessments to evaluate the academic strengths and weaknesses of individual students.

Step Two: Planning for Instruction

Teachers plan for instruction using RISD electronic curriculum documents, lesson plans, district-approved resources and appropriate instructional strategies. The TEKS are taught to the application level to insure student success on the TAKS.

Step Three: Referencing the TEKS/Scope and Sequence/ Best Practices

The RISD Department of Curriculum and Instructional provides schools with an array of tools to facilitate the implementation of the TEKS. These tools include:

1. Course Outlines that stipulate a comprehensive plan for the instructional program.
2. Scope and Sequence documents that guide the organization and pacing of instruction.
3. Best Practices that include examples of techniques and strategies which have been effectively implemented in RISD to promote improved student achievement.

Step Four: Assessing Student Learning

Classroom and district assessments are a critical component of the teaching and learning process. Teachers assess student learning frequently to insure academic success. In addition, district assessments provide tools for adjusting and refining curriculum and instruction so that all students have the opportunity for in-depth learning to be successful on the TAKS.

Step Five: Extending Learning

Each school provides tutoring for students whose assessment results indicate a need for further instruction in any essential skill area. Extended learning opportunities are made available for all students at all academic levels of achievement.

Step Six: Monitoring

In every school, classroom teachers and administrators monitor student progress on a continuous basis. Informal student/teacher conferences, principal visits to classrooms, and examinations of test results are ways a student’s progress is monitored.

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