Ø    What do we mean by continuous improvement? 

Continuous improvement is a concept that is based on the belief that if given the opportunity and appropriate support everyone is capable of doing quality work.  The concept of continuous improvement honors the learning differences and pace of students.  It recognizes that individual learners will need varying amounts of time, coaching, and feedback to produce quality work.

Ø    Why is continuous improvement an important part of a thinking-centered curriculum?  

Learning is a complex process.  It is unusual for learners to get things perfect on the first try.  The continuous learner recognizes that learning something new is often slow, incremental work and requires persistence and determination.  In a thinking-centered curriculum, students are asked to rethink their understandings and continually revise their work in order to meet or exceed grade level and course expectations.  Rethinking and revising are expected and natural steps in the learning process of a thinking-centered curriculum.

Ø    What are the characteristics of instruction that addresses continuous improvement?   

• Teachers share with students the purpose and value for learning specific content. 

• Students can answer questions such as: Why are you learning this?  When will you use this? 

• The teachers and students establish a learning environment that is free of fear, allowing students to take responsible risks and fail forward. 

• Tasks and teaching strategies are differentiated to address the individual learning needs of students.  

• Students and teachers identify the characteristics of quality work and strategize about how to accomplish quality work on specific tasks and projects.   

• Characteristics of quality work are identified in analytical and holistic rubrics. Students received clear and specific feedback as they are working on projects.   

• Students are given numerous opportunities to make their work better. 

Ø      If you would like more information… 

Literature and Research Base:  

Brynes, Margaret, Robert A Corenesky, and Lawrence W. Byrenes.  The Quality Teacher. Florida: Cornesky & Associates Press, 1992. 

Fields, Joseph C. Total Quality for Schools.  Milwaukee, WI: ASQC, 1993.

Related Links

http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sig/improvement/

http://www.mehs.educ.state.ak.us/quality/qpoints.html

http://www.aea267.k12.ia.us/cia/framework/rubrics/index.html

To "Components of a Thinking Curriculum"