What is QS2?


QS2 is a comprehensive school improvement service that assists school districts and their local communities in raising student achievement to meet or exceed state standards by linking a shared vision for education with successful practices. This is made possible through careful examination and development in these four major areas:

• leadership
• programs and staff
• community, parents, and students
• resources

QS2 is designed to help districts re-engineer schools by focusing on the achievement gap. Closing this gap is guided by informed decisions focused on:

• Examining student achievement
• Aligning curriculum and instruction to standards
• Building staff and school capacity
• Developing community engagement and support
• Redirecting and securing resources
• Holding systems accountable for results

Partnership with Alaska ICE

QS2 partner districts enjoy a close alliance with Alaska ICE. This initiative provides the support and resources to give Alaskans, at the local level, the information, tools, and assistance to work collectively to prepare Alaska’s youth for the future. A highly experienced Alaska ICE staff liaison is assigned to each QS2 partner district to guide families, communities, and school constituencies in collaborative, strength-based approaches to positive youth development. It is AASB’s strong belief that the resulting reduction in risky behaviors will lead to higher numbers of students who demonstrate proficiency on required state academic assessments. The overarching approach is to tap community and school strengths to develop additional supports for youth.

For more information about QS2, visit the QS2 section on AASB's website.

Current QS2 Districts:

Chugach (2008-2010)
Cordova (2008-2010)
Haines (2009-2011)
Kenai (2008-2010)
Southwest Region (2008-2010)
Bristol Bay (2010-2012)
Craig (2010-2012)
Nenana (2010-2012)

Asset building and community engagement efforts are often facilitated through school districts and schools as well. For example, the Anchorage School District (ASD) has taken intentional action to embed these and related strategies in their work to help Alaska's kids succeed. ASD adopted the Developmental Assets framework as a basis for youth development and academic achievement in 1996. Since then, the ASD office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools has led intentional asset building with students, staff, and families throughout the district.

Many of these and other school-based efforts that have been instrumental in advancing student success in their district are highlighted in the book: Helping Kids Succeed ~ Anchorage School District Style.