The entire Continuous Improvement System is explained in a book by Dr. Skoglund and Mrs. Ness.  The book contains sufficient detail to allow school leaders to successfully implement the CIS.

The book details:

• An overview of the CIS
• Leadership and instructional team roles
• How to develop the key documents that get everyone 'on the same page'.
• How to address pre and post high stakes test curriculum
• How to create and use common assessments
• How to collect, display and use real time student achievement data to drive instruction
• The roles of informal and formal accountability
• A process to assess the level of implementation and impact of the CIS

Dr. Larry Lezotte of Effective Schools concluded his forward to the book by stating, "If educators who say they are committed to the mission of learning for all are still unable to take appropriate action after reading this book, they should take a second look at the depth of their commitment."

Reviews by prominent educators

"Designing a school-improvement approach is as challenging as whipping up a perfect soufflé.  Well, that is what Skoglund and Ness have been able to pull off with the Continuous Improvement System.  It's potent approach - devised by two practitioners who clearly know their way around this particular kitchen."

Dr. W. James Popham
Professor Emeritus
UCLA

"Skoglund and Ness have created and implemented an excellent school improvement model.  It is a model for K - 12 schools nation wide."

Dr. Richard P. Manatt
Professor Emeritus
Iowa State University

"This is better than all of the gurus!  It is prescriptive for implementation and application.  The text is a fantastic guide for developing a school improvement system.  I have taken over a dozen concepts from this script to help my agency assist the districts in our region as they work to improve the student learning."

Steve Myers, Superintendent
Educational Services District 105
Yakima, WA

"Student Success:  How To Make It Happen is perfect!  This systematic approach to school improvement will be a school leader's best friend.  Low test scores, low teacher morale and a lack of organization have been no match for the Continuous Improvement System.  Almost overnight, faculty, administrators and most importantly students began to reap the benefits of this clear and focused system."

David McNeil, Principal
Washington Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ

"The title says it all.  The Continuous Improvement System offers a way for teachers and administrators to "behave" their way into creating substantial reform.  School improvement is a dynamic and responsive process and this system is designed to meet those challenges."

Cindy Daly, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Paradise Valley, AZ

"The Continuous Improvement System contains all of the ingredients for successful school reform.  School improvement theories and plans abound, but this one, offers schools clear direction and solid foundations on which to pursue the ultimate goal - engaging all students in pursuit of academic achievement."

Karen Procopio, Teacher
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies
Mesa, AZ

Contact Dr. Skoglund at:
fskoglund@aol.com

Contact Mrs. Ness at:
ness@cablespeed.com