10 February 2011

Characteristics of Effective School Boards

The Center for Public Education recently released a research report focusing eight characteristics of effective school boards. These characteristics include:

  • commitment to a vision of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction and define clear goals toward that vision;
  • 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;
  • accountability driven, spending less time on operational issues and more time focused on policies to improve student achievement;
  • a collaborative relationship with staff and the community and a strong communications structure to inform and engage both internal and external stakeholders in setting and achieving district goals;
  • being data savvy: embracing and monitoring data, even when the information is negative, and using it to drive continuous improvement;
  • alignment and sustainment of resources, such as professional development, to meet district goals;
  • leadership as a united team with the superintendent, each from their respective roles, with strong collaboration and mutual trust; and
  • participation in team development and training, sometimes with their superintendents, to build shared knowledge, values and commitments for their improvement efforts.

To access the full report, please visit:

CPE: Eight characteristics of effective school boards

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