What if we apply and are not designated as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School?  There are many ways you can participate in Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools:  Schools to Watch regardless of whether or not you receive the designation.  You may participate in the Schools to Watch program by:

 

Æ Attending Schools to Watch information and/or professional development sessions;

Æ Participating in the National Schools to Watch Conference and

Æ Visiting a future Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School

 

IF NOT SELECTED, PENNSYLVANIA DON EICHHORN SCHOOLS:  SCHOOLS TO WATCH STRONGLY ENCOURAGES YOU TO REAPPLY THE FOLLOWING YEAR.  Nation-wide, it is not unusual for a School to Watch to have applied to the program more than once before receiving the designation.  Currently, there are 86 Schools to Watch in the nation.  As Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools:  Schools to Watch is both a recognition and capacity building program, our hope is that you continue to find the self-study/application process and overall programming instructional and inspiring.

 

If we are designated as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School, what is our role in middle grades reform?  What are our responsibilities?  If you are designated as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School, you agree to participate in all aspects of the program including, but not limited to, recognition celebrations, induction and orientation, professional development and school improvement consultations, visits from others who seek to improve their schools and documentation of Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools:  Schools to Watch practices.  A designee recognizes that being a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School demands increased attention to

high, dynamic and sustained performance.  A designee welcomes the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with others and works as a mentor to accelerate middle grades reform in Pennsylvania.

What benefits are associated with being designated a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School?  While being selected as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School provides others with a representative model of how effective middle grades schools work, it also provides the receiving school an opportunity for new reflection, professional development and consultation, and Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools:  Schools to Watch community involvement via the state and national network of Schools to Watch.  As there are currently 86 Schools to Watch in the nation, a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School is recognized as a forward thinking, achievement and equity-driven organization committed to the development of both young adolescents and adult learners.

 

Can a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School reaffirm their designation in consecutive years?  A Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School may reaffirm its status as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School for up to three consecutive years.  To reaffirm status, the school must annually review its programs and keep Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: School to Watch apprised of their continuous improvement.  The reaffirmation is conducted by the Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools:  Schools to Watch leadership team and may take unique forms in varied contexts.

 

What if I still have questions?  Please direct all questions to a member of the Schools to Watch State Team.