Americans are looking for schools they can trust! In 2012, a Gallup poll revealed that confidence in public schools is at a 40-year low — only 29% of respondents expressed “a great deal” of confidence in the public education system.
An increasing number of students are opting out of their neighborhood schools and into the chaotic, developing marketplace of school choice. Parents, the consumers in this marketplace, are not automatically moving towards private school as an option anymore.
They have become more research-oriented and tenacious in weighing their options. Charter schools, other public schools within a district, Montessori schools, religious-based schools, and in some cases even home schooling have all become viable options for parents trying to find a healthy, high-functioning learning environment for the education of their child – all in all, a school that is successful.
But the elusive recipe for school success is extremely difficult to convey simply and clearly. Yes, test scores are a valuable measurement, but in many cases they are overvalued.
One paragraph doesn’t tell the story of a book. Similarly, one test score doesn’t tell the tale of a school. Using one tool that is as limited as a one or two day test doesn’t accurately portray schools.
Although test scores are important, rarely should they be the sole determinant for examining what makes a school successful. A school is a cohesive entity that relies on many factors to ensure a better education for all students.
Over the next eight months, K-12 Online will conduct an independent study identifying and discussing the characteristics of ‘What Makes A School Successful’. Here are just a few of the topics we will be discussing: Technology Integration inside and outside of the classroom; First Impressions and how to get parents to choose your school; Parent Involvement and creating a sense of community.
Research shows that there is not a single thing that schools can do to ensure high student performance, however, research also shows that high performing schools tend to have similar characteristics that make them successful.
The study will include research, case studies, and interviews with schools that do well in each of the identified areas. Watch for our email and blog post highlighting the first characteristic of a successful school: leadership.
