"Proud Professionals Educating Schools"
PPES Inc.
PPES EFFECTIVE SCHOOL MODEL
Founded by Dr. Phyllis A. Porter, the PPES Effective School Model is a comprehensive framework designed to transform schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade. The primary goal of the model is to elevate “low-performing” schools to surpass the 75th percentile on standardized tests, ensuring all students receive a high-quality education.
The PPES Effective School Model draws from the pioneering research of Ronald Edmonds, Wilbur Brookover,
George Weber, Richard Venezky, and Linda Winfield, who demonstrated that schools, regardless of socioeconomic challenges, can achieve significant improvements in student achievement. The model integrates seven essential correlates, derived from empirical studies on the practices of the most effective schools across the United States.These correlates are:
- A Clear focused mission on learning
- Instructional Leadership
- High Expectations for all stakeholders
- Opportunity to learn and student time on task
- Frequent monitoring of student progress
- Safe and orderly environment for learning
- Positive home/school/community relations
STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT: Since its inception in 1999, PPES has been dedicated to empowering communities and schools to cultivate a learning environment that promotes excellence. Recognizing that the foundation of student success lies in the strength of those who educate, PPES has consistently provided comprehensive programs and training aimed at building the capacity of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and the wider community. These programs are delivered through a range of formats, including professional development workshops, in-depth conferences, intimate seminars, immersive retreats, and dynamic on-site visits. Each offering is carefully designed to meet the evolving challenges schools face in delivering quality instruction that fosters academic success for all students, regardless of their background or prior achievement levels.
The PPES approach is holistic, addressing the multifaceted needs of every educational stakeholder, from administrators leading systemic change to teachers in the classroom, and parents supporting learning at home. Through carefully structured learning experiences, PPES ensures that each participant leaves equipped with the tools, strategies, and knowledge necessary to contribute to an optimal learning environment that prioritizes student growth and success. These training opportunities not only empower individuals but also foster collaboration and collective responsibility among the school community.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: At the core of PPES’s commitment to transforming education is its suite of professional development services tailored to classroom teachers. PPES understands that teachers are the most influential factor in student learning and strives to provide them with hands-on, practical support that can be implemented immediately. Direct services include everything from classroom observations—where PPES consultants work side-by-side with teachers to assess and refine instructional techniques—to coaching, where individualized feedback is provided to enhance teaching practices. Modeling of lessons and strategies is another key component, enabling teachers to witness best practices in action.
Additionally, PPES facilitates demonstrations of innovative teaching methods and organizes meetings with departments and grade-level teams to foster collaborative lesson planning and curriculum alignment. These services are not one-time interventions but are provided consistently, with PPES consultants embedded in schools on a daily basis to offer ongoing support and refinement. This consistent presence ensures that the development is deeply integrated into the fabric of the school and responsive to the specific needs of each teacher and student. Schools are assigned consultants based on factors such as school size, the level of involvement required, and the specific challenges the school is facing. By tailoring its approach to each school’s unique context, PPES ensures maximum impact and sustainable improvements in instructional quality.
BENCHMARK FOR STUDENT SUCCESS: Schools that partner with PPES can expect tangible results, with students achieving a minimum increase of one academic year in both reading and mathematics. This benchmark is a critical part of the PPES model and is achieved through a combination of rigorous instruction, frequent assessments, and strategic interventions. To monitor progress, standardized test scores and teacher assessments are used as key metrics to evaluate the academic growth of both individual students and the school as a whole.
The emphasis on measurable outcomes ensures that every stakeholder is held accountable for student success. PPES tracks student growth with precision, enabling schools to make data-driven decisions that enhance curriculum and instruction. This process is guided by the core belief that every student, regardless of their starting point, has the potential to make significant academic gains when provided with the right support and high expectations.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES: At PPES, assessments are more than just tools for measuring learning—they are critical instruments for shaping instruction. To ensure that no student falls through the cracks, PPES administers both oral and written assessments weekly, designed to identify areas where students may need immediate reinforcement. By using continuous assessments, teachers can quickly address gaps in understanding before they become larger issues, allowing for timely interventions that keep students on track.
In addition to these regular assessments, pre-assessments and post-assessments are conducted daily. These help gauge the effectiveness of teaching strategies and provide valuable insights into how lessons can be adapted to meet the varying needs of students. This real-time feedback loop ensures that instruction is dynamic and responsive, continuously evolving to maximize student achievement. By incorporating a variety of assessment techniques, PPES fosters a culture of continuous improvement for both teachers and students.
PARENTAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: PPES firmly believes that a child’s academic success extends beyond the walls of the classroom, and parental involvement is a key factor in sustaining and enhancing student learning. Research has shown that children perform better when their parents are actively involved in their education. As such, PPES works to create strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities, ensuring that parents are equipped to reinforce learning at home.
In support of these efforts, PPES offers programs to help schools implement their School Improvement Plans through various parental organizations such as TITLE I PAC, LSC, BAC, PTA, PTO, PTSA, and other community-driven initiatives. Through workshops, conferences, and resource identification, PPES helps parents become active participants in their child’s education, reinforcing key academic skills outside of school hours and supporting the school’s overall mission. PPES also works with schools to engage the broader community, building networks of support that enhance the educational experience and provide students with the resources they need to succeed.
TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT: In today’s digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in the educational landscape, and PPES incorporates it as an essential tool to enhance learning. PPES ensures that instructional technology is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, providing teachers with the resources needed to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Whether through interactive lessons, digital assessments, or tools for student collaboration, technology is used to enhance both teaching and learning.
Additionally, PPES recognizes that technology can bridge gaps in access to information and provide students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Teachers, students, and parents alike can leverage digital platforms to access educational content, communicate with one another, and track academic progress in real-time. The strategic use of technology within the PPES model aligns with best practices in modern education, ensuring that students are equipped with the digital literacy skills necessary for success in the 21st century.
COST STRUCTURE: The cost of partnering with PPES varies depending on the specific needs of each school, reflecting the tailored nature of the services provided. Costs are determined by factors such as the size of the school, the level of involvement required, and the scope of services agreed upon in the school’s individualized plan. This flexible pricing structure ensures that each school receives the support it needs within its budgetary constraints.
On average, PPES services range from $500 to $50,000 per school, with smaller schools requiring fewer resources and larger or more complex interventions necessitating more intensive involvement. Regardless of the specific cost, schools can expect a high return on investment, with substantial improvements in student achievement and instructional quality.