This document outlines six steps for ensuring success in mathematics and science education: 1) having a well-developed curriculum, 2) using instructional materials aligned with the curriculum, 3) employing consistent instructional strategies, 4) providing adequate professional development, 5) implementing an assessment system aligned with standards and curriculum, and 6) establishing policies and procedures that support teaching and learning. It instructs teachers to rate their school on each step, discuss as a team, develop a consensus, and summarize their ratings to identify needs and guide next steps in planning.

1. Steps To Success
Needs Assessment in Mathematics and Science
Michigan Mathematics and Science
Teacher Leadership Collaborative

2. STEP 1: Curriculum
A well developed K-12 articulated
curriculum based on Michigan standards
and Grade Level Content Expectations is
in place and being used to guide teaching
and learning.

3. STEP 2: Instructional
Materials
Instructional materials that specifically
align/support the articulated curriculum
are available and being used.

4. STEP 3: Instructional
Strategies
Core instructional strategies / classroom
practices are consistent across all grades
and classrooms.

5. STEP 4: Professional
Development
Adequate professional development is
provided for teachers and other staff that
relates directly to implementing the articulated
curriculum and using the instructional materials
and strategies.

6. STEP 5: Assessment
Student assessment system is in place that
is aligned with the curriculum and Michigan
standards and includes components at the
district, school and classroom levels.

7. STEP 6: Policies and
Procedures
Policies and procedures are in place that
support / align with teaching and learning as
reflected in curriculum, instruction,
assessment, and instructional materials.

8. Steps to Success
Personal Reflection:
• Read through the STEPS to SUCCESS
• For each item, rank where you think your
school (or the school you are working with) is
with respect to each of these components.

9. Steps to Success
Process:
• As a team, read the descriptors for each
component and discuss.
• Have team members share how they rated that
component.
• Come to a consensus on the actual “state” of
your school with respect to that component.

10. Steps to Success
Summarize:
• Fill out and turn in ONE summary sheet for your
team for EACH subject area (mathematics &
science) and keep a copy for the team.

11. Steps to Success
Personal Reflection:
• Record and keep individual ideas for addressing
the needs uncovered in the Steps to Success
discussion. These reflections will be useful in
the Next Steps.

12. Steps to Success
Next Steps:
• Teams now move into planning next steps using
the assessment from Steps to Success. Teams
need to schedule regular local meetings to
develop a detailed action plan that addresses
the needs identified in the Steps to Success
assessment.