Whitman Elementary - Tulsa Public Schools

Flippen/Learning Keys: Following a similar process, in January 2011, Tulsa Public Schools
contracted with The Flippen Group to conduct school improvement with the next seven priority
schools in Tier I of TPS elementary schools. The Flippen Group utilized the District by Design
process, taking a comprehensive approach when working with the 7 priority elementary schools
(Anderson, Celia Clinton, Springdale, Remington, Hamilton, Sequoyah and Lindbergh) that
were identified by their OCCT data and AYP data. The design for school improvement began
with training for the leadership of the building. The leadership comprised of the principal and
identified teacher leaders. The professional development and information was shared with the
rest of their school’s staff. The Flippen Group aligned their work with the Tulsa Public Schools
Teacher Leader Effectiveness rubric. Below is a summary of the work conducted with the
selected schools.
• NEEDS ASSESSMENT‐ All 7 schools participated in a Needs Assessment in March 7‐12,
2011 which included:
o Curriculum and Planning
o Instruction and Assessment
o Professional development
o Analysis of OCCT standardized state scores
o Analysis of classroom instructional time.
The Needs Assessment summary and findings for each of the 7 schools were reviewed by the
Deputy Superintendent and his team as well as each of the principals. Monitoring and coaching
for the principals and teachers were conducted to support each of the schools by Learning Keys
consultants, Mr. House and his Executive Assistants, Wise Coach and other Curriculum and
Instruction members.
• Leadership Blueprint – This was a three day workshop held on April 5‐7, 2011. The
principals and members of the Curriculum and Instruction team members discovered
that relationships are at the core of performance; trust and respect are essential in any
organization to help them grow and improve. The principals and other participants
practiced specific techniques that helped them make clear and candid communication
possible, in their personal and professional lives.
• Organization Blueprint – This was a three day workshop held on October 11‐13, 2011.
The principals of the 7 schools worked through systemic elements of their school
(mission, core principles, vision, and capacity for change, alignment tools, accountability
and internal communication. The principals learned essential facilitation skills that
helped them guide their school through effective strategic‐planning process.
• Capturing Kids’ Hearts ‐ This was a three day workshop in which the principals and
their teachers attended in August 9‐11, 2011. The principals and their teachers