Data-driven school board leadership
Published: October 22, 2012
Research from the Iowa School Boards Foundation identifies specific ways school board members can use data to improve student achievement. Based on their recommendations, California schools can use public reports like the new School Quality Snapshot to:
-
Create awareness of the need to improve. Boards can ensure that all district staff understand the status of student achievement and help build a sense of urgency for improving student outcomes.
-
Apply pressure for accountability. Boards can work with the superintendent to establish challenging but achievable goals for raising student achievement.
-
Demonstrate commitment. Boards can ensure that resource allocations align with their stated goals, and focus board meetings on student achievement.
-
Provide ongoing support for quality professional development. Boards can direct resources to sustain the professional development teachers need to meet achievement goals.
-
Support and connect with districtwide leadership. Boards can support leadership at all levels and protect the focus on student achievement from distraction or fragmentation.
-
Support deliberate policy development. Boards can adopt policies that strengthen support for high student achievement.
-
Connect with the community and build the public will to improve achievement. Boards can engage the community in understanding district goals, and encourage community support for and involvement in district efforts.
Source: “The Lighthouse Inquiry: Examining the Role of School Board Leadership in the Improvement of Student Achievement”; Iowa Association of School Boards