Secure Sponsorship and Buy-In
Involving Staff in Choosing the Program
Pre-purchase buy-in from staff members and families is critical for program success. Here are some suggestions for generating staff enthusiasm and support.
Do a Needs Assessment
Involve staff in determining why you need the program and what problems it will address. Read more about needs assessment.
Create a Team
Invite staff members to be on a curriculum-selection committee that examines several programs and chooses one to implement schoolwide. Once you've chosen the program, create a support team—possibly including include classroom teachers, staff, counselors or psychologists, social workers, school nurses, and/or parents—to provide ongoing leadership and coordination.
Give Staff a Voice
Give staff an opportunity to make decisions about the pieces of program implementation that affect them directly: what day(s) to teach it, when to start it, and how they will reinforce it.
Align with Goals
Work with staff to revise or create school policies and procedures that will reinforce and support the program concepts, and align the program with your vision or mission statement.
Show Administrator Support
Ask the principal or superintendent to talk about the program and address concerns at a staff meeting and allow preparation time in the school day for learning how to use the new program.
Discuss the Program's Credibility
Disseminate research findings documenting the effectiveness of the program and provide information about any awards or endorsements the program has been given.
Network
Do a site visit to other schools/classrooms using the program or invite a panel of staff from another school to speak with your staff about using the program and the results they have seen.
