GMS recognizes the gradual and cumulative process by which meaningful change occurs. In addition to the tenets listed in Approach and Key Principles, our approach to leading and managing change has the following critical elements:

• Build a case for change
• Create a shared vision to guide reform efforts
• Garner stakeholder and the public's support for the vision
• Develop the district and school policies and practices to support reform
• Create the capacity to undertake reforms
• Adopt and sustain new practices
• Align all policies and practices

Build a case for change. This process includes engaging stakeholders in looking at and sharing data in a format that can be easily understood by educators and the local community. GMS has developed and utilizes a number of data collection and analysis tools. Our team includes individuals who have widespread experience in initiating reforms from the national to the school level.

Create a shared vision to guide reform efforts. The creation of a shared vision requires a careful balance between District and school leadership. High school continuous improvement can not be "one more thing" added to the already full plate of educators. Districts must identify a system-wide mission, vision, values and goals and a set of principles and practices that should guide reform. Districts also need to identify the resources and support that will be available to schools to foster reform. At the same time, schools must be empowered to develop their own missions, visions, values and goals within the District context. In this way, administrators and teachers at the school level take responsibility for the reform and are willing to be held accountable for results. Principals and teachers are not be limited to one model or to one mandated by the District, but rather are encouraged to pursue approaches and ideas that best meet the needs of their students within the context of the District's vision, mission, values and goals.

Studies suggest that successful districts set expectations for schools, help develop the capacity of principals and teachers, create a collaborative environment, build effective data systems to support reform and seek to balance central control and school-based decision making.

Garner stakeholder and the public's support for the vision. There are multiple ways to garner support for a continuous/reform vision. The first is by being skilled and prepared with data and a deep understanding of the reform process. The second is to gain the trust of stakeholders by establishing a climate of respect that demonstrates that reforms will succeed through facilitated support, not embedded mandates or external structures. This approach respects the talents of staff, while building their capacity. This requires support through resources and coaching, and a commitment to ongoing communication.

Develop the district and school policies and practices to support reform. District and school policies, regulations, and financing need to be reviewed and updated or abandoned to support the new vision for high schools.

Create the capacity to undertake reforms. GMS believes that three key elements of capacity building must be targeted:

• Expanding district and school administrators' capacity by providing specific on-site and off-site support and developing in them the skills they need to lead reforms
• Developing effective structures for teaching and learning
• Focusing on improving teaching and learning

Adopt new practices and align all policies and practices in a way that promotes continuous improvement. These practices must be supported by expert state and local technical assistance. The GMS team brings expertise in the development of strategic planning, policy development, the development of small schools and learning communities, scheduling to support reform, student advisories, portfolios, project-based learning, improving instruction, aligning instruction to state content standards and grade level expectations, senior projects, and student motivation. We also understand how districts can best support schools through technical assistance efforts. We can and will provide a combination of on-site and off-site support to personnel and school-based staffs, training and coaching and facilitated work sessions.