Creative+Staffing+Arrangements

What are the major research findings regarding school and district practices for improving instruction through innovative staffing arrangements? Because of the relationships between staffing and such elements as monitoring, grouping, leadership, and allocating time, research findings in these areas bear upon efforts to use staff more creatively. Effective Schooling Practices: A Research Synthesis (Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory 1984) identifies relevant findings in several areas:
 * RESEARCH FINDINGS **

1.5 Learning progress is monitored closely. Teachers use assessment results not only to evaluate students but also for instructional diagnosis and to find out if teaching methods are working. 1.9 Instructional groups formed in the classroom fit instructional needs. Smaller groups are formed within the classroom as needed to make sure all students learn thoroughly. Students are placed according to individual achievement levels; underplacement is avoided. Teachers review and adjust groups often, moving students when achievement levels change.
 * __ At the classroom level: __**

3.4 Improvement efforts are monitored and supported. District supervisors monitor implementation of policies and procedures in individual schools; they provide advice, clarifications, technical feedback and channel support services. In particular, they check on the progress of improvement efforts. Instructional support services assist local schools in their improvement efforts. Support staff provide consultation, materials development and training assistance on call; support services are very responsive to expressed building needs.
 * __ At the district level: __**

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