The School Improvement Model launched by the Iowa State University College of Education in 1964 uses a total-system approach to measure and report teacher performance. SIM focuses on student achievement and emphasizes validity, reliability, discrimination, and 360-degree feedback from principals, other teachers, parents, and students. A Wyoming…

In 6 short years, principal Lirah Sabir salvaged a low-achieving, predominantly black elementary school in downtown Memphis. Her vision is to make students integral members of society. Impressive gains in student health and achievement; community, parental, and staff involvement; and curriculum and instruction are explained. (MLH)