Points To Consider

From Key Characteristics of Effective Schools : "A Review of School
Effectiveness" - research by Pam Sammons, Josh Hillman and Peter Mortimore.

The eight effectiveness factors are:

1) Professional leadership that is firm & purposeful, vigorous in selecting effective teachers & creating consensus & unity of purpose.

2) Positive reinforcement, clear feedback & clear disciplinary rules are more likely to be associated with better student outcomes than punishment & criticism.

3) A learning environment that is attractive & orderly & which encourages self-control among pupils.

4) Concentration on teaching & learning: putting the schools primary purpose first.

5) Purposeful teaching that is well organised, clear about its objectives & appropriately paced & structured.

6) High expectations & self-esteem among teachers, students &. parents. A common cause of under-achievement in students is a failure to challenge them.

7) Monitoring progress shows how far both students & the school are achieving its goals & focuses the attention of staff, pupils and parents on these goals.

8) Home/school dialogue that fosters parent support for the student's learning has positive effects on student achievement.

9) The researchers conclude that ultimately the quality of teaching (factors) & high expectations (factors ) have the most significant role to play in fostering students' learning & progress.


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