What Makes Schools Great?

Last night had the opportunity to attend a seminar and lecture revolving around the theme of 'What Makes Schools Great.' Well over 100 educators, students, parents and other stakeholders attended the gathering. To a person, we were presented with plenty of first hand experience and data that ratings (testing) doesn't make a school 'great.'

Over the next couple of days I want to convey some of the background regarding school ratings and the need to separate this from what makes a school a good school.

One of the areas talked about/discussed centered on the factors which affect student test scores. The research concludes that roughly 65% to 70% of what impacts scores are influences outside of the school setting. The point being this...for those critics of schools and school performance it is important to note that teachers and the school setting in total is NOT as important as one may think.

Flash...too much blame is put at the feet of schools for test scores, positive or less than positive.

Dick