What is the Oregon Schools To Watch (OSTW) Program?

The basic premise for this program is the belief that youth in middle grades are capable of learning and achieving at high levels.  This belief creates a sense of urgency that high-performing middle schools become the norm, and not the exception.

Oregon has been accepted by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform as a Schools To Watch state and joins 16 other states in establishing a common vision and language for speaking about middle-grades school improvement.  Our endeavor is to identify and disseminate best practices, articulate and promote effective policies, recognize and develop enlightened leadership and inform and engage the public.

What are the Oregon Schools To Watch Program criteria?

There are four fundamental criteria in the OSTW Program.

1. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE-The school is academically excellent.  It challenges all students to use their minds well.
2. DEVELOPMENTAL RESPONSIVENESS-The school is sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence.
3. SOCIAL EQUITY-The school is socially equitable, democratic, and fair.  It provides every student with high-quality teachers, resources, learning opportunities, and supports.  It keeps positive options open for all students.
4. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES-The school is a learning organization that establishes norms, structures, and organizational arrangements to support and sustain their trajectory toward excellence.

 
What are the benefits of participating in the Oregon Schools To Watch Program?

OSTW is a program specifically designed for the unique educational needs of adolescent middle school students.  It is a recognition program for high-performing middle schools but, more importantly, it is a school improvement tool that is designed specifically by and for middle school educators.  Many schools across the country are using the STW components as the basis for their school improvement efforts.

What are the next steps in applying to become an Oregon Schools To Watch?

We encourage schools to use each of the OSTW components (Principal’s Checklist, School Self-rating and Application Packet) as a continuing school improvement tool.

When your school is ready to apply to become an Oregon School To watch, the first step is to review the Principal’s Checklist to get a general idea of how close your school is to meeting the four criteria listed above.  If you have checked “We’re There” for all (or most) of the items, the next step if for you and your staff to fill out the OSTW School Self-rating rubric that is part of the application packet.  The applications will be reviewed by a team of Oregon middle school educators to determine if OSTW criteria have been met.  Schools will be notified of their status and those meeting the criteria will be have a site visit by the OSTW team to learn more about your school.  The selections will be announced after the site visits have been completed.

How can I become involved in the Oregon Schools To Watch Program?

There are opportunities for middle school educators to become involved in this program.  Reading applications, participating  in site visits and assisting with the planning of this program are just some of the ways to become involved.  Please contact Joni Gilles, Colin Cameron,  Jill O’Neill, Phyllis Guile or Joel Sebastian  for additional information.

Additional OSTW Application and Resources:

OSTW Application  

OSTW Self-Rating

OSTW Principal's Checklist 

OSTW COSA Presentation 

Oregon Diploma Middle Level Toolkit