High Reliability Schools

Level 1 of the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework addresses the factors considered foundational to the well-being of a school. The most crucial step at Level 1 is to build a safe, supportive, and collaborative school culture by operating as a professional learning community (PLC).

High quality instruction is the most important tool educators have at their disposal to positively affect student learning. Level 2 of the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework details how to develop and maintain teacher effectiveness in every classroom by building a shared language of instruction and using this common language to raise the level of pedagogical skill both individually and collectively.

At Level 3 of the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework, schools focus on developing a guaranteed and viable curriculum. The work at this level ensures teachers have the time they need to teach the curriculum, and all students, no matter the teacher to whom they are assigned, have access to the same high-quality curriculum.

At Level 4 of the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework, schools shift from a whole-school perspective to an individual student perspective. Staff work to develop an effective system of grading and reporting and closely monitor each learner’s progress using assessment data.

Level 5 of the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework calls on schools to implement competency-based education. This critically important shift not only allows educators to monitor individual students but also provides opportunities for each student to take part in personalized learning and move through the curriculum at his or her own pace.