This resource document has been updated to help schools in their school improvement efforts. This second edition of the resource maintains the nine characteristics and definitions from the original 2003 document. It adds information from about 120 new research and professional references, as well as relevant Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) documents, to help educators deepen their understanding of the characteristics, and it provides additional strategies for expanding implementation. The school improvement perception surveys, which also are on the OSPI website, can be used to gather information from staff, students, and communities to help gauge progress. The overall purpose of the document is to help schools successfully implement their school improvement efforts--to get beyond making plans to taking action. School Improvement Perception surveys--included in Appendix B--can be used to gather information from staff, students, and communities to help gauge their school improvement progress. Appendix A contains a bibliography of research sources for nine characteristics.