School Quality: Learning Through the Success of Others

Yael Fisher

doi:10.5923/j.edu.20120205.09

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze excellent schools and learn from the quality processes implemented in these schools. This article presents the success stories of two high schools in Israel and identifies the determinants/s that have led each school to being recognized as excellent. The study indicates that while there is no single theoretical model that characterizes excellent schools, there are certain factors that facilitate the adoption of an organizational culture of excellence, which can pave the way to success. The article presents an original empirical study which was based upon success stories that enabled to characterize excellent schools.

Highlights

The mission is grounded in the pursuit of academic excellence, adapting to students’ needs in terms of their cognitive development, and promoting social equality[1]
In regard to academic achievements in excellent schools, the curriculum, the teaching and the evaluation are all performed at the highest standards and each student is expected to meet the required standards
The underlying assumption is that by devoting time to train their teams on issues of instructional responsibilities, principals practice effective educational leadership, as their efforts have a direct effect on students’ academic accomplishments[6],[7]

Summary

Introduction

In regard to academic achievements in excellent schools, the curriculum, the teaching and the evaluation are all performed at the highest standards and each student is expected to meet the required standards. Teachers are given ample opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, expand their professional knowledge and improve their teaching skills. They partake in decision making on matters pertaining to the curriculum and to teaching methodologies improving the quality of teaching and its outcomes, as gauged by students’ academic achievements[3],[4]. The underlying assumption is that by devoting time to train their teams on issues of instructional responsibilities, principals practice effective educational leadership, as their efforts have a direct effect on students’ academic accomplishments[6],[7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion