School Improvement


Data, insights, and support to uncover and activate essential elements for improvement

How do you know if your school is set up for success? How do you measure it?

We provide an evidence-based evaluation of the essential elements proven to maximize student success, and we pinpoint precisely where your school needs to improve to see meaningful gains in student outcomes. We then partner with you to transform your data into concrete actions and continuous improvement plans that lead to lasting, sustainable change.

The 5Essentials: Leading the way with a holistic, evidence-based approach

Through our exclusive partnership, NWEA® School Improvement leverages the renowned 5Essentials® Framework and 5Essentials Survey from UChicago Impact®, an evidence-based diagnostic assessment that provides meaningful measurement of how well a school is organized for improvement across the five essential conditions for high-functioning schools: effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environment, and ambitious instruction.

“It truly was a partnership. It wasn’t something that I felt like I had to drive. I felt extremely supported. Our technical assistance providers were all in with a knowledge and passion for family and community engagement. They immersed themselves in research, asked questions, and remained open to working with me, my staff, the community, and Family & Community Liaisons.” 

AMANDA SCOTT THOMAS
Director, Community Partnership
Tacoma Public Schools

Available services

Support at every level and every step of the way

5Essentials Survey

Provides actionable data and insights into strengths and opportunities for improvement

5Essentials professional learning

Educating leaders on the 5Essentials Framework and Survey and how to use survey results to improve schools

Needs assessment

A customized series of interviews, observations, and surveys to launch improvement planning

Leadership coaching

Shoulder-to-shoulder support for principals to deepen leadership skills

District systems advising

Developing systems, processes, protocols, and practices for student improvement

School improvement professional learning

Build educator knowledge and skills related to areas of the 5Essentials Framework

Meet the NWEA School Improvement leadership coaches

Elena Bell, EdM

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Michelle T. Bradley, EdM

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Mesha Greene

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Chris Hardin, EdD

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Susan Holiday, EdM

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Ed Ryans, EdD

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Heather Davis Schmidt, EdD

Consultant, School Improvement and Professional Learning

Victor Simon, EdD

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Monica Taylor, EdM

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Robert Thornell, EdD

Author, School Improvement Coach, and Professional Learning Facilitator

Maria Wallevand, EdM

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Kimberly A. Warfield, EdD

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Matthew Woods, EdS

School Improvement Coach, Professional Learning

Ready to learn more?

Connect with a school improvement specialist.