The 8 Characteristics of An Effective School Board
The National School Board Association did research to look at the impact of school boards across the country. Do school boards really impact district performance? YES!
In this research brief, NSBA’s Center for Public Education looks at indicators of school board effectiveness. From this research, it is clear that school boards in high-achieving districts exhibit habits and characteristics that are markedly different from boards in low-achieving districts.
Here are the eight characteristics of an effective school board summarized from their research. Full report here.
Effective school boards commit to a vision of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction and define clear goals toward that vision.
Effective school boards have 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.
Effective school boards are accountability driven, spending less time on operational issues and more time focused on policies to improve student achievement.
Effective school boards have a collaborative relationship with staff and the community and establish a strong communications structure to inform and engage both internal and external stakeholders in setting and achieving district goals.
Effective boards are data savvy; they embrace and monitor data, even when the information is negative, and use it to drive continuous improvement.
Effective school boards align and sustain resources, such as professional development, to meet district goals.
Effective school boards lead as a united team with the superintendent, each from their respective roles, with strong collaboration and mutual trust.
Effective school boards take part in team development and training, sometimes with their superintendents, to build shared knowledge, values and commitments for their improvement efforts.