Analysis of Process Template

Overview

Several elements of a school program can support or detract from the quality of the program. Identifying these elements will assist planners in deciding which areas to address in order to continuously improve. Completing this Analysis of Process form as a collaborative exercise with those involved with a specific program will help to identify these elements. Completing the "Setting Priorities" section will help to prioritize elements that need attention.

 

Step 1

Identify the specific program to be assessed and assemble a representative group of 5 to 6 educators directly involved with that program. Place the title of the program in the appropriate space. If more than six participants are desired, it would be best to use two groups.

 

Step 2

Locate and read the 15 program elements listed own the left side of the table and their corresponding descriptions. There is room to add to additional program elements if applicable.

 

Step 3

Become familiar with the rating system described below, using symbols to indicated if an element supports, deters, or is not appropriate to the quality of a program.

    1. + indicates that the element currently supports the quality of the program.
    2. - indicates that the element currently is a deterrent to the quality of the program.
    3. 0 indicates that the element is not appropriate or relevant to assess.

Step 4

Identify a group facilitator and time keeper from within the groups. Give each participant a copy of the AOP form and proceed through each of the 15 elements. Identify whether each element is a support or a deterrent to the quality of the program. In a few cases, a ‘0" might be used. Consensus is the goal.

Record any important comments related to the program element in the Comments section.

 

Step 5

Whichever method you choose to employ, record any important comments related to the program element in the Comments column.

Program Elements Table

Program being assessed_________________________________________

PROGRAM ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

RATING

COMMENTS

Materials/equipment for teachers (consider quality, quantity, accessibility)

Consider those things SPECIFICALLY for teacher use; e.g. teacher text editions; curriculum guides; professional books, journals; technology equipment

 

 

1

  

Materials/equipment for students (consider quality, quantity, accessibility)

These are items for student use; e.g. textbooks, supplemental books; technology; learning center equipment

 

2

  

Materials/equipment for parents (consider quality, quantity, accessibility)

These are items specifically for parent use; e.g. assistance kits for assisting students; materials for educating parents as to how to help students; do not consider typical memos, newsletters, etc

 

 

 

3

  

Existing program content

Normally, this is found in curriculum guides of various types, often in the form of instructional goals and objectives, or content standards; also the content of the textbooks used

 

 

4

  

Time spent on instruction (actual time spent teaching)

Consider only the time the teacher spends in direct contact with students in the specific content areas being assessed.

 

5

  

Teachers’ schedules (consider time for instruction, planning, duties, etc.

This considers the manner in which teachers spend their workday. Sufficient planning time? Reasonable duty time? Appropriate instructional time?

 

 

6

  

Diagnosing learning and prescribing instruction on a student or group basis

Relates to the process of identifying where students are and adjusting instruction to meet individual and group needs. May be formal or informal. Does a process exist? Is it positive? Does the process assist or burden the teacher?

 

 

7

  

Assessing student results or outcomes

Is there a system for assessing student progress? Is it efficient and effective? Consistent? Is assessment clearly connected to intended learnings? Efforts at performance based assessment? Use of multiple measures?

 

 

8

  

Managing the classroom (organizing and operating)

Is the manner in which classrooms are maintained efficient and effect ive? Is the organization basically sound in light of the number of students?

 

 

9

  

Providing effective instruction in a positive environment

Is the atmosphere conducive to learning? Variety of instructional strategies? Are learning styles considered? Is there an attitude that all students can learn? Is positive reinforcement important? Is the classroom a good place to be?

 

 

10

  

Physical environment (library; classrooms; labs, etc.)

Do the facilities support effective instruction? (This would be significant for science, P.E., and other areas in which the physical plant facilities play an important role)

 

 

11

  

Teachers’ knowledge and skills

Are they sufficient to contribute to maximal growth? Are there specific areas of strength? Is something lacking?

 

12

  

Teachers’ receptivity to the program

Do teachers agree with the intent of the program? Do they like the program? Is there an advocacy base for the program among the teachers?

 

 

13

  

Communication systems (clear goals and expectations, understanding between principal, teachers, parents)

Do all levels within the school and community (especially the school) understand what is expected? Are lines of communication clear? Is it known who makes decisions and under what circumstances? Are there surprises? Is the situation fairly stable?

 

 

 

14

  

Staff Development

 

Is there a strong link between staff development and what is planned for program implementation? Are staff development activities well received? Is there follow through after formal workshop sessions?

 

 

15

  

Add your own

  

 

16

  

Add your own

  

 

17

  

 

Step 6

Write the name of the program on the appropriate line below.

Setting Priorities

Program______________________________________________________

 

Step 7

Transfer the rating symbols from the Program Elements table above, based on the groups’ assessment, to the corresponding lines below.

 

Step 8

With the group, discuss the program elements that support and deter the quality of the program, and rank the top three for each.

 

_____1. Materials/equipment for teachers _____7. Diagnosing learning & _____13. Teachers receptivity

 

prescribing instruction

 

_____2. Materials/equipment for students _____8. Assessing student results _____14. Communication system

 

_____3. Materials/equipment for parents _____9. Managing the classroom _____15. Staff Development

 

_____4. Existing program content _____10. Effective instruction/ _____16. _____________________

 

positive environment

 

_____5. Time spent on instruction _____11. Physical facilities _____17. _____________________

 

_____6. Teachers’ schedules _____12. Teachers’ knowledge/skills

 

Step 9

As the group prioritizes the top three supports and deterrents, write them on the appropriate blanks below.

 

TOP THREE SUPPORTS RANK TOP THREE DETERRENTS

 

_____________________________________1ST __________________________________

 

_____________________________________ 2ND__________________________________

 

_____________________________________3rd __________________________________

 

 

Step 10

Use the priority rankings above to help you guide your strategic planning to implement changes in the program addressed.

 

Developed by Jim Cox, JK Educational Associates, Inc.