A signature practice may fall under one of the following six categories:
Leadership and Schoolwide Planning
Signature practices in this category address leadership structures and processes that facilitate school wide planning, budgeting, goal setting, decision making, and the monitoring of overall program effectiveness.
Standards and Assessments for Decision Making
Signature practices in this category address how standards and assessments are used to monitor and ensure student progress and achievement in all subject areas.
Curriculum and Instructional Practice
Signature practices in this category address the ways in which a standards-based curriculum and standards-based instructional practices, informed by assessment data, meet the needs of all students.
Staff Development, Teacher Leadership, and Collaboration
Signature practices in this category address how the systematic, regular use of training, workshops, and activities build teachers’ capacity to deliver curriculum to all students on the basis of their needs.
Student Support
Signature practices in this category address the ways in which services, programs, and practices that meet students' emotional, physical, and mental health needs optimize learning for each student. Practices related to special education are included in this category.
Family and Community Partnerships
Signature practices in this category address how programs, events, and activities that encourage communication and partnering between the school and parents, businesses, and the district support the achievement of school goals.
