What Makes a Great School

What Makes A School Great?

Though many of the nation’s schools are failing, one thing is for certain—it doesn’t have to remain that way. But the question remains, why are middle and high school students failing throughout the country to make the grade? Well, the answers may vary greatly depending on whom you ask. Parents say it’s the school. Schools say it’s the school district. Teachers say parents and school districts. Students believe that everyone from the school headquarters down to the teachers who teach them is the blame for their lack of success.

So, who is right? They all are to some degree. Everyone’s role in educating our youth is as significant as the other. School districts must be more innovative in their approach to teaching and offer more talent development programs and curricula, as well as provide students a safe environment conducive to learning. Administrators should be effective leaders who expect greatness from their teachers and students, yet work as a team in achieving such success. They should respect their staff, students and parents and be willing to listen and address their needs and concerns, as well as implement programs within their schools to meets the students’ needs. Teachers need to be prepared each and every day with fun, engaging lessons students can relate to while praising their students for their successes, as well as acknowledge their students’ academic and non-academic strengths. Every child needs to feel validated for his contribution to the classroom environment. Read what the schools below have done successfully to get the most from its teachers, students and parents.

Past Interviews:

KIPP Ujima Village Academy: Three Attributes of a Successful School
Baltimore Talent Development High School: A New Breed of Leadership
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute: A Tradition of Excellence