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.

Rooted in research

With more than 20+ years of research, the 5Essentials Survey meets Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) criteria as a Tier 2 evidence-based practice.

Building school leadership capacity

We empower school leaders with a unique coaching model and targeted professional learning to develop competencies proven to result in meaningful gains.

Tailored to educator needs

An NWEA leadership coach creates a tailored plan that builds on leaders’ strengths and helps refine the highest-gain areas for improvement.

Focused on systems and sustainability

We take a systems lens approach—helping school leaders institute processes, practices, and protocols that maximize sustainability in aligning school initiatives.

Dynamic, continuous improvement

Research-validated survey instruments and quarterly progress checks based on observation and leader input are used in an ongoing, collaborative reflection process.

“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