The Schlechty Center uses two separate but complementary frameworks as the basis for working with districts and schools. The first framework offers 10 District Standards for leaders to assess and build system capacity to align and focus district efforts on the core business of schools. The core business of schools is outlined in a second framework, Working on the Work (PDF, 240K), which calls on the district to provide high-content, engaging work for students.

Building System Capacity
Partnership districts in the Standard-Bearer School District Network use a set of 10 beliefs that the Schlechty Center refers to as District Standards. None of the District Standards, adopted in isolation, leads to systemic reform. All are interdependent, but do not require districts to proceed in any particular order. Below are a few examples of how school districts across the country use these District Standards to focus on the future, maintain direction, and act strategically. Examples

Working on the Work
Working on the Work calls on everyone to provide high-content, engaging work for students that results in students learning what schools, parents, and the community want them to learn to be considered well-educated. As Phil Schlechty says, "What is needed are teachers who know how to create, as a matter of routine practice, schoolwork that engages students. Schools cannot be made great by great teacher performances. They will only be made great by great student performances."

In its work with schools, the Schlechty Center has created Working on the Work: A Framework for Schoolwide Reform (PDF, 328K). This document takes into account the work the Schlechty Center has engaged in since its inception in 1987 and aids principals in creating a plan for leading change and building capacity at the school and district levels. The Schlechty Center works with designated schools within its Networks to take Working on the Work deeper by engaging principals and school staff over an extended period of time. This framework articulates a school vision, intended results, and the means and processes for measuring the results. Below are examples of how schools in the Schlechty Center Networks have focused on the core business: to ensure all students are provided high-content, engaging work. Examples