Taking Center Stage – Act II (TCSII)

A Portal for Middle Grades Educators

Table of Contents

Part IV: Organizational Structures and Processes

Organizational Structures and Processes is the fourth and last of the four criteria for high performance developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform (Outside Source). The School Self-Study and Rating Rubric (DOC; 413KB; 9pp.) is a tool designed by the Schools To Watch™-Taking Center Stage program to help schools analyze their progress toward excellence based on the National Forum’s criteria. Key elements of organizational structures and practices excellence include the following:

1. shared vision;
2. leadership responsibility;
3. learning as a community norm;
4. professional development;
5. connection to ‘system’;
6. self-accountability;
7. will to overcome barriers;
8. connections to colleges/universities; and
9. involvement of all stakeholders.

Organizational Structures and Processes – The Chapters

Four Taking Center Stage—Act II chapters explore the TCSII recommendations and research relating to Organizational Structures and Processes:

• Leadership
• Professional Development
• Accountability
• Partnerships