These standards create a framework that defines what makes a successful school.
The Standards for Effective Schools help educators and administrators assess and improve schools. High-achieving schools use the practices described in the standards throughout school operations and classroom instruction. This creates an environment of continuous improvement where all students can thrive.
Standard 1: Clear and Focused Mission
Schools implementing this standard clearly articulate the school’s purpose and approach to support learning for all. Key concepts include:
Creating a culture of ownership for student success is pervasive
Evidence of shared beliefs and values
Commitment to a shared vision is present
Standard 2: Instructional Leadership
Schools implementing this standard ensure the effectiveness of instruction leads to student achievement. Key concepts include:
Implementation of high yield instructional strategies is ensured by the principal
Staff leading and assuming responsibility for overall academic success
Engaging students in age-appropriate leadership opportunities
Standard 3: High Expectations for Success
Schools implementing this standard purposefully provide a climate in which all students can learn and succeed. Key concepts include:
Staff demonstrating and believing in their ability to successfully teach all students
Staff believing all students can and will obtain mastery
Proactive staff response and adjustment to ensure mastery when some students do not learn, or have already mastered the concept
Standard 4: Positive and Safe Environment
Schools implementing this standard provide orderly and purposeful accommodations for all students’ needs. Key concepts include:
Pervasive collaboration and cooperation among staff and students
Expectation and support of appropriate behavior
Embracing and respecting student diversity
Standard 5: Equitable Opportunities to Learn and Effective Instruction
Schools implementing this standard ensure sufficient time for meaningful learning is provided to all students. Key concepts include:
Utilizing instructional time efficiently and effectively
Aligning rigorous instructional activities to student interest and State Standards
Provision of timely and ongoing feedback that supports individual student growth
Standard 6: Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress
Schools implementing this standard use a variety of data as the basis for adjusting the instructional approach. Key concepts include:
Utilizing formative assessment processes to measure student performance
Using student performance to guide instructional decisions
Monitoring student progress toward established instructional goals
Standard 7: Family and Community Partnerships
Schools implementing this standard create purposeful relationships between families, community, and the school. Key concepts include:
Fostering shared responsibility for student success by the school community
Understanding and supporting of the school's mission by the community
Establishing school and community partnerships to support academic, social-emotional, and physical needs