The ERS Small School Design Tool assists individual schools in executing school-level design (and redesign) projects as well as implementing school improvement and planning initiatives.
This School Tool promotes accountability and consistency by providing the ability to measure the schools' data via Resource Indicators developed by ERS.
Research shows that small high schools are better equipped to meet student and teacher needs compared with larger, more comprehensive schools. Small schools tend to have better attendance rates, stronger academic achievement, lower dropout rates, and greater participation in activities.
Because small school leaders have expanded responsibilities concerning the management and staffing of their school — including formulating budgets, schedules, and educational programs and policies — tools which support the creation of support systems for effective small schools are essential.
The ERS Small School Design Tool helps principals and district leaders evaluate the effectiveness of their Small School resource strategies. The School Tool encourages users to compare individual resource strategies with strategies used by high performing high schools. The Tool will guide you in carrying out a step-by-step, evidence-based evaluation of your school's use of time, people, and dollars against the ERS Guiding Resource Principles.
This Tool is currently under development. The launch date is scheduled for summer 2007.
If you are interested in receiving more information about the ERS Small School Design Tool at the time of the launch, click here and submit your information.