EIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL BOARDS
(Source: http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Public-education/Eight-characteristics-of-effective-school-boards)
What makes an effective school board – one that positively impacts student achievement? From
any perspective, it’s a difficult question to answer. But research published by the Center for
Public Education shows that one fact is clear: boards in high-achieving districts exhibit habits
and characteristics that are markedly different from boards in low achieving districts. Here are
Eight Characteristics of Effective School Boards.
1. Effective school boards commit to a vision of high expectations for student achievement and
quality instruction and define clear goals toward that vision.
2. Effective school boards have strong shared beliefs and values about what is possible for
students and their ability to learn, and of the system and its ability to teach all children at
high levels.
3. Effective school boards are accountability driven, spending less time on operational issues
and more time focused on policies to improve student achievement.
4. Effective school boards have a collaborative relationship with staff and the community and
establish a strong communications structure to inform and engage both internal and external
stakeholders in setting and achieving district goals.
5. Effective school boards are data savvy: they embrace and monitor data, even when the
information is negative, and use it to drive continuous improvement.
6. Effective school boards align and sustain resources, such as professional development, to
meet district goals.
7. Effective school boards lead as a united team with the superintendent, each from their
respective roles, with strong collaboration and mutual trust.
8. Effective school boards take part in team development and training, sometimes with their
superintendents, to build shared knowledge, values and commitments for their improvement
efforts.
Boards in high-performing districts can provide an important blueprint for success and in the
process, they offer a road map for school districts nationwide.
For more information, contact:
Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN)
200 S. Broad Street, Suite 7
New Orleans, LA 70119
(p) 504-821-4004
CORRELATES OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS
(http://www.mes.org/correlates.html)
A clearly stated and focused mission on learning for all - The group (faculty, administration,
parents) shares an understanding of and a commitment to the instructional goals, priorities,
assessment, procedures, and personal and group accountability. Their focus is always, unequivocally,
on the student.
A safe and orderly environment for learning - The school provides a purposeful, equitable,
businesslike atmosphere that encourages, supports, allows mistakes, and is free of fear. School is a
place that does no harm to developing psyches and spirits.
Uncompromising commitment to high expectations for all - Those who are leaders empower
others to become leaders who believe and demonstrate that all students can attain mastery of essential
skills. This commitment is shared by professionals who hold high expectations of themselves.
Instructional leadership - Although initially coming from the principal, teacher or administrator,
the goal is to include all participants as instructional leaders as their knowledge expands as a result of
staff development. New insights excite and inspire. In the accountable learning community, everyone
is a student and all can be leaders.
Opportunity to learn is paramount - Time is allocated for specific and free-choice tasks. Students
take part in making decisions about goals and tasks.
Frequent monitoring of progress - Effective schools evaluate the skills and achievements of all
students and teachers. No intimidation is implied. Rather, monitoring often is individualized, with
improvement in learning as the goal.
Enhanced communication - Includes home, school and community coming together as partners in
learning for all.
For more information, contact:
Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN)
200 S. Broad Street, Suite 7
New Orleans, LA 70119
(p) 504-821-4004