Governance and Student Outcomes
Governance and student outcomes can have a close relationship to one another without even knowing it. One could argue that the relationship the board has with the superintendent has nothing to do with student achievement. I disagree completely.
Some may argue that the superintendent's job is to keep the school board out of the way of education. Keep them from interfering with the educational process, classroom activities, teacher performance, and the list goes on. I see it as a relationship where the lack of board governance can interfere. I have seen it first hand. The board influencing decisions of education without knowing anything about the educational characteristics involved. Boards weighing in on maters best suited for the experts, superintendents, teachers, state educators...These people have made a career and lifetime of education as compared to board members who may not have any connection to education other than their experiences as a student or parent. Certainly not qualifications that should be making decisions regarding curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment.
That being said, school boards have been involving themselves at these levels for years...and it shows. Show me a healthy board following board governance practices and you will see student achievement. Case in point: My own school district has a 64.1 score on their Wisconsin State report card, other districts I have knowledge of (which will not be named) have scores of 64, 68, and 59.9 (Overall average-64). Compare these school to boards (will be named) that are following a board governance model with scores of: Onalaska-79.6, Brillion-83.9, Chippewa Falls-67.3, and Prairie du Chein-77.1 (Overall average-77). The averages show a 13 point difference. That is a significant difference on the state's grading system.
I'm not sure it would be fair to place the governance model as the major contributor to student's success but you can not deny that the leadership that starts with an organized system and continues to be followed throughout the school district's management system will certainly contribute to the success of its students. I think part of it is directly tied to the adherence to board governance but also to the type of people that are being engaged on the board and are willing to follow the model. Redneck Joe from Tumbleweed, Wisconsin may have no desire to follow some governance model he can't understand, calling it "dumb" or "stupid." However, a board member that is well educated and confident may be more willing to trust the process and work with a model understanding that student outcome will increase with a formal process working towards common goals.
So yes! I totally believe that a formal governance model that is followed with fidelity that centers on a guided practice that is respected by all members and superintendent that utilizes a vision and mission in their decision making processes will definitely effect student achievement in a positive manner. Mic drop here!!
Some may argue that the superintendent's job is to keep the school board out of the way of education. Keep them from interfering with the educational process, classroom activities, teacher performance, and the list goes on. I see it as a relationship where the lack of board governance can interfere. I have seen it first hand. The board influencing decisions of education without knowing anything about the educational characteristics involved. Boards weighing in on maters best suited for the experts, superintendents, teachers, state educators...These people have made a career and lifetime of education as compared to board members who may not have any connection to education other than their experiences as a student or parent. Certainly not qualifications that should be making decisions regarding curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment.
That being said, school boards have been involving themselves at these levels for years...and it shows. Show me a healthy board following board governance practices and you will see student achievement. Case in point: My own school district has a 64.1 score on their Wisconsin State report card, other districts I have knowledge of (which will not be named) have scores of 64, 68, and 59.9 (Overall average-64). Compare these school to boards (will be named) that are following a board governance model with scores of: Onalaska-79.6, Brillion-83.9, Chippewa Falls-67.3, and Prairie du Chein-77.1 (Overall average-77). The averages show a 13 point difference. That is a significant difference on the state's grading system.
I'm not sure it would be fair to place the governance model as the major contributor to student's success but you can not deny that the leadership that starts with an organized system and continues to be followed throughout the school district's management system will certainly contribute to the success of its students. I think part of it is directly tied to the adherence to board governance but also to the type of people that are being engaged on the board and are willing to follow the model. Redneck Joe from Tumbleweed, Wisconsin may have no desire to follow some governance model he can't understand, calling it "dumb" or "stupid." However, a board member that is well educated and confident may be more willing to trust the process and work with a model understanding that student outcome will increase with a formal process working towards common goals.
So yes! I totally believe that a formal governance model that is followed with fidelity that centers on a guided practice that is respected by all members and superintendent that utilizes a vision and mission in their decision making processes will definitely effect student achievement in a positive manner. Mic drop here!!
Paul. Nice job with your post. I agree with your comments about creating an environment where board members are educated and willing and able to follow the governance model set forth by the district. Where is Tumbleweed in Wisconsin? Between Plain and Bear Valley?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Gustafson that your blog on this topic is interesting (mic drop, etc.) and that an environment in which board members and the community are educated is necessary to meeting the goals of the school district. Best of luck as you continue work in the district and with the school board!
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteI love your view on boards making educational decisions for the people that are best trained. I don't believe that board members should be involved in the processes that directly affect student achievement. I see health board interaction with administration as a driving force toward greater student achievement.
I agree completely, to leave a board to their own devices will ultimately lead to micromanaging. While it is possible to find a perfect situation where this is not the case, the pendulum will always swing back. A superintendent is best served to be far sighted and enact some level of control or guidance over the board through a governance model.
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