I've analyzed my notes, looking for reasons why some schools succeed while others struggle. There are no easy answers, but I can share some observations. All 19 schools share things in common, most importantly caring teachers and administrators who are putting in long hours and working hard. But I also saw significant and telling differences. In the high-performing schools . . .
Adults believe in children's capacity to learn at high levels.
They believe that every student can achieve, and they do whatever it takes to make that happen. Student work is on display everywhere. Principals are almost relentless in their focus on instruction. They monitor teacher and student work on a regular basis. They do whatever it takes to support the instructional needs in the schools.