We could debate how best to measure student performance in school, but the current system for measuring performance at the state and federal level is in place and not likely to change any time soon. So our mission must be to prepare our students to perform well on these standardized tests.
There is a formula for consistently improving student achievement in schools. Here’s the formula: Do what it takes to be accountable for maximum acceleration in the performance of all students. The formula refers to acceleration. Exactly what does that mean? Acceleration is
simply teaching more in less time. There are different things that have to be in place if the
school is to consistently accelerate students.
For a school to follow this formula, it will adopt new priorities, drop many of its current practices, change many details of the classroom interactions, build an infrastructure that works and can be maintained, and generally redefine its role so that the school serves as an advocate for the academic performance of the students. If the formula is followed, the result would be that every teacher in the school and the principal would be able to look every parent in the eye and say with honesty, “We’ve not only given your childour best shot; We have provided the best instruction possible”.
