SREB’s curriculum and instruction reviews compile, analyze and report data that schools and districts can use to improve instructional practices, create cultures of continuous improvement and help more students graduate ready for college and careers.

CIRs answer two critical questions:

1. What promising practices and problems of practice exist in the school?
2. What actions can the district and school take to eliminate problems of practice and meet bold goals for student achievement?

As part of the process, SREB works with schools to collect accountability and demographic data and administer student and teacher surveys and a career and technical education self-study.

During a three-day CIR site visit, SREB staff and a trained team of educators, school leaders and community partners from neighboring schools or districts create a snapshot of the school’s practices by conducting interviews, focus group discussions, classroom observations and a review of lesson plans, assessments, syllabi and meeting artifacts.

At the end of the visit, the CIR team presents a preliminary report that includes key findings and recommendations. This report is shared with school and district leaders. CIR reports are organized around five focus areas:

• Engaging instruction
• Aligned curricula
• High-quality career pathways 
• Student supports
• Leadership for continuous improvement

Most schools undertake a deep review of the CIR report during site development workshops that engage school focus teams in identifying and solving problems of practice. Schools also receive customized professional development and school improvement coaching to support their efforts.