In effective small schools academic achievement depends on a mix of interdependent elements:
- Teachers who challenge and support students to succeed at high levels
- Students who are engaged in learning
- Parents and community members who help define and hold students accountable to high standards
- Frameworks that outline essential learnings and high expectations for achievement
- Strategies that engage students in deep inquiry and meaningful exhibitions of learning
Unlike schools that sporadically test-drive new programs or introduce piecemeal change, successful small schools implement a holistic approach; they integrate all aspects of teaching and learning to help students and teachers accomplish great things.
What elements of teaching and learning are fundamental for successful small schools?
- Equitable Outcomes. Equitable outcomes mean all students—regardless of cultural, racial, socioeconomic, linguistic, sexual orientation and special needs backgrounds—achieve at high levels. All students receive challenging and relevant curriculum, and are supported to reach their highest potential.
- Academic Rigor. A rigorous academic program challenges all students to explore, research and solve complex problems as they develop deep understanding of core academic concepts andgain ways of thinking and doing that prepare them for college, work and citizenship.
- Personalized Learning. When learning is personalized teachers and mentors use what they know about students to individualize instruction and help students take ownership over the direction of their learning.
- Focus on Powerful Teaching & Learning. Schools that focus on powerful teaching and learning move away from conventional practices that position the teacher as expert and toward reform-like practices that give students meaningful responsibilities in shaping their education.
- Expectations & Accountability. Expectations of excellence are essential points of reference for school staff, students and their families, and community members. A consistent, on-going system of accountability gauges the progress toward achieving individual and school-wide goals.
- Assessment & Evaluation. Effective assessment and evaluation is an integral part of the learning process; it gives students and teachers opportunities to weigh strengths and weaknesses and reflect on progress toward achieving goals.
Review these elements on the Oregon Small Schools Initiative School Change Rubric Self-Assessment Tool.
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