The Toward Higher Ground program consists of the following five modules, which participants may complete at their own pace:

• Module 1: Research: What do we know and how can we actually put it to use? Examines research in academic achievement, student diversity, and character development, drawing together the threads that teachers may weave into a climbing rope to prepare students to scale the mountain of character and achievement.
• Module 2: Assessment: Where are we now and how do we find out? Introduces the concept of assessing the school, home, and community environment, along with a set of instruments for gathering that information in print, electronically, or both. Demonstrates the power of this assessment for selecting the path best suited to making a difference in each teacher’s environment.
• Module 3: Planning: What do we need to do and what are the steps for getting it done? Introduces the planning process and provides a planning template for success, then breaks participants into groups to translate general plans into action plans to put into use in their own settings. Introduces electronic, print, and other resources that are provided in participant packets, as well as those available from other sources.
• Module 4: Implementation: Who should be involved and how do we get them on board? Expands upon individuals’ plans by leading them through the process of identifying opportunities and challenges they might encounter in implementing the plans they have made, along with strategies for minimizing challenges and maximizing opportunities systematically. Includes strategies for securing financial and human resources (volunteers and otherwise) to implement their plans successfully.
• Module 5: Sustainability: How do we track our progress and how do we continue improving for the long term? Overviews follow-up services in place, as well as strategies for reviewing progress throughout the current year and in the future, revising goals and making adjustments needed to remain responsive to the needs of students, teachers, parents, administrators, and the community.

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